Michael Ball claims in his column for the Liverpool Echo that it is ‘baffling’ Everton did not sign a right-back this summer and Seamus Coleman’s injury has only highlighted the issue.
Coleman sustained a hamstring issue while representing the Republic of Ireland against Azerbaijan on Saturday. He has now returned to Finch Farm for treatment and is in a race to feature against Burnley next Monday.
Everton explored strengthening their full-back options during the recent summer market but ultimately kept their powder dry in the position. The Liverpool Echo note Rafa Benitez and Marcel Brands did not see eye-to-eye on a deal for Denzel Dumfries, for example.
Benitez would only spend what little resources Everton had if he felt the right-back met his precise standards. That was not the case with Dumfries, and saw the Toffees block Jonjoe Kenny from leaving to now provide cover.
Yet Ball finds it startling that Everton did not spend on a right-back, and Coleman’s injury has only further emphasised the lack of depth Benitez has available at Goodison Park.
“I still think there are major questions around our squad depth and not having cover in key areas,” Ball wrote. “One of those positions was right-back, and our lack of options there has been further highlighted following the injury to Seamus Coleman.
“It has been well documented that it is a position that we have been trying to strengthen in the last few years. But for whatever reason, we have been unable to do so. I actually find it baffling that we still haven’t found anybody. And I think Everton will revisit that area of the pitch when the January window opens.”
Should Everton sign a right-back in January, like Ball suggests?
Benitez will only sanction Everton spending on a right-back if they meet his exact criteria, even if Ball believes the Spaniard needed greater depth before Coleman’s recent injury.
Kenny will likely now have the chance to step up and show his worth after staying this summer. While versatile centre-halves Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey are also options, after featuring at full-back under Carlo Ancelotti last season.
But Everton have long sought to find Coleman’s long-term successor and future first-choice right-back, like Ball points to. They could now struggle to find that and at a reasonable price if Director of Football Brands explores mid-season transfers.
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