Martina should play no part if Allardyce is to improve Everton defence

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The defender has been unconvincing for Everton this season.

Sam Allardyce has finally been confirmed as the new Everton manager, and one of his first tasks will certainly be to try and make the side more resilient defensively.

Everton have been woeful at the back this season, as demonstrated by the fact that they have conceded 28 goals in the Premier League, with only Stoke City and West Ham United having let in more.

Allardyce will surely be seeking to bring in at least one new defender when the transfer window opens in January, but until then the 63-year-old must try and make the most of the options that he has at his disposal.

Cuco Martina is one of those options, with the former Southampton player having featured as a right-back and a left-back for Everton this season.

However, as was the case during his time at Southampton, it is clear that Martina isn’t of the standard required if Everton are to become a stronger defensive unit. Martina lacks composure in possession and frequently gets caught pushing too far forwards.

Although he can occasionally offer an attacking threat, he is often vulnerable defensively and is certainly not a player that can help Everton push on up the Premier League.

Allardyce should either persist with Jonjoe Kenny at right-back, or give Mason Holgate an opportunity to impress. While at left-back Leighton Baines should be back from injury soon and Luke Garbutt, who has featured regularly for the U23s, should perhaps earn a recall to the first-team squad.