Everton started the season on fire with a settled first-choice eleven in Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred 4-3-3 formation.
The fringe players got the job done in the EFL Cup, and as injuries and suspensions bit, they were gradually called upon in the Premier League.
Everton have struggled for form since, which has put the spotlight on their squad depth – which was always going to be important in this frantic, unique season.
During an exclusive interview, we asked former Toffees goalkeeper Nigel Martyn for his thoughts on Ancelotti’s backup options.
“The backup up front,” said Martyn. “Moise Kean’s away now, loaned out, and we’ve got Cenk Tosun back from Palace.
“Is he really going to be the quality of striker? He’s good in the box but he doesn’t really give you a lot else.”
When asked if Everton could go into the January market for a frontman, Martyn said: “Yes, but it’s a case of who?”
“All teams are looking for more strikers. It’s really difficult, they’d have to look abroad, I’d have thought.
“I’m sure they’ve got targets and they’ll probably be looking and I’m sure Ancelotti if he could strengthen that department with the right player – he would.
“It didn’t really ever happen for (Theo Walcott) at Everton; the games I saw him play, he had flashes of it and then long periods where he was just out of the game.
“I’m pleased he’s doing well and Southampton deserve to be where they are, but he’s one you could say it didn’t really happen for at Everton.”
Walcott and Kean doing well out on loan while Everton struggle slightly for attacking backup may raise some question marks.
But both players had lost their way at Goodison Park and needed a change of scene and some regular gametime.
The January market will be tricky – as always – and now Dominic Calvert-Lewin has firmly established himself as Everton’s top marksman, getting someone to come in and play second fiddle may prove difficult.
That’s what Martyn eluded to here, but nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see what business – if any – Ancelotti does in the winter window.
READ ALSO: NIGEL MARTYN SAYS PLAYER IS ‘DONE AT EVERTON’ IF ANCELOTTI DROPS HIM AGAIN
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