Everton are one defender away from being a serious team, claims one of their old players.
Pat Nevin has told The Racing Post that Everton are just the one centre-back away from being a truly ‘excellent’ team.
The Toffees made a number of marquee signings during the summer, including a £40 million deadline-day deal for ex-Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi.
In addition to that, Everton also spent big on Italian striker Moise Kean and managed to re-sign Andre Gomes on a permanent basis after his glittering loan from Barcelona last season.
But worryingly, manager Marco Silva and Director of Football Marcel Brands were unable to bring any defenders to Goodison Park on a permanent basis, despite trying to re-sign Kurt Zouma from Chelsea.
Defensive problems caused Silva’s side a lot of problems last season, having conceded 46 times and finished eighth in the Premier League.
And ex-Everton man Nevin and BBC pundit believes that signing one of Serie A’s best centre-backs in January is a must.
“Everton are a centre-back away from being excellent. But with some consistency, they can bridge the gaps. There were times last season when they played opponents off the park, other times they were horrible. If I was Marco Silva I’d be scouring the Italian top division for a centre-back who can come in and offer that authority they need at the back.”
Nevertheless, it’s still quite an exciting claim by Nevin – and he’s right.
Everton, who brought in Djibril Sidibe on loan, are just the one top centre-half away from being a problem for the Premier League’s elite. Then again, they do have Yerry Mina, who could have a brilliant second season after a modest first year in England.
If he and Michael Keane hit it off, beware of the Toffees.
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