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Everton’s second string XI shows three problem areas

Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the match (REUTERS)
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The Blues’ failure to add a proven striker could be their downfall this season.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the match

It is fair to say that Everton had something of a frustrating summer transfer window.

The Blues were expected to spend vast sums, with rumours Farhad Moshiri had handed new manager Ronald Koeman big funds.

That did not prove to be the case though as they instead finished the window £1 million in profit, thanks to John Stones’ big money move to Manchester City.

Manchester City's John Stones after sustaining an injury to his eye

They only added five new players in the end, as Koeman appeared to add quality rather than quantity to his squad.

And their second string XI does show that perhaps they should have pushed harder for more signings to improve their options in at least three areas.

Right-back is the first issue, with youngster Tyias Browning their current best option as backup to Seamus Coleman.

The left wing is also something of a problem area, with Gerard Deulofeu better suited to the opposite wing and perhaps more likely to be used as a centre-forward this season.

Their biggest issue is easily the striking position though, with loanee Enner Valencia and Arouna Kone their only options as back up to Romelu Lukaku.

Given that they have only managed 14 goals in 93 games between them over the last three years, the Blues failure to add better cover there is likely to prove a big issue as the season progresses.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman before the match