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Everton Upgrade One Position, Forgotten Star Returns: Moyes’ Dream Christmas
It’s been an improved season for Everton in comparison to the last, but with Christmas now here, we’re just a few days away from the January transfer window opening.
The Toffees currently find themselves sitting in 10th position in the Premier League table, but a strong January window could help them climb towards the European places. Everton are just five points off the top four, a position every supporter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium would have taken before the campaign began.
The January window is always a difficult one for clubs looking to sign players, but there’s always an opportunity to get some business done. David Moyes has been open about wanting to bring in reinforcements in January, and there are a few things he will be hoping for this Christmas, not just transfers.
Thierno Barry to Find His Feet in England
Thierno Barry was always going to be a player who needed time to settle. The French youth international is still finding his feet in his senior career, and it often takes players time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.
Moyes has decided to give Barry an extended run in the team, and although he’s shown glimpses of what he’s capable of, the Everton supporters will be demanding more. The Toffees are desperate for a consistent goalscorer, and Barry showed last season with Villarreal that he can be just that, while also being a physical, dominant threat for opposition defences.
Moyes will be hoping to see it fully click for Barry in the coming months, showcasing his full potential.
The Friedkin Group Showing Ambition
The Friedkin Group have already shown plenty of ambition since they’ve bought the club, but Moyes will be hoping that continues in January. The previous summer transfer window was one of Everton’s busiest in many years, but there’s no doubt there is still holes in the squad.
Speaking to the media, Moyes has admitted that it might not be a busy January, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want reinforcements.
“I think in all the press conferences I’ve been in, I’ve always said I don’t think we’ll be doing loads of business in January. f we find some players, we’ll be delighted to do it and the CEO will be as well, and the owners if we can do it. But I think it’s more to do with trying to have a plan where the ownership want us to have a plan and want us to prepare and do everything in a certain fashion.”
The Toffees have shown they are capable of competing in the top half of the Premier League, but Moyes will want signings to take them to the next level.
A Right-Back, Finally
Everton’s right-back situation was never an issue, but with Seamus Coleman declining and picking up plenty of injuries, the Toffees need a long-term replacement. Nathan Patterson was meant to be just that, but he’s struggled to progress since his arrival.
Moyes has predominantly deployed Jake O’Brien, who is naturally a centre-back, on the right-hand side of defence, but it’s time Everton brought in a natural full-back.
Although O’Brien has done a solid job at times since converting to right-back, he offers little attacking threat, and Everton need a flying full-back to help them from an attacking perspective.
A Branthwaite Return
It’s interesting to think that Everton are enjoying a relatively impressive season without Jarrad Branthwaite. The England international was a key reason why Everton’s defensive record was so good last year, while he also offers so much in possession.
Branthwaite is Everton’s best player in terms of progressing the ball from deep, carrying forward or breaking lines with his passing. The former Carlisle defender also offers the Toffees more balance due to being left-footed, and Moyes will be desperate to see him return in the coming weeks, potentially helping Everton climb the table once again.
If Moyes is being picky, he’d probably want four or five signings, but he’s admitted that it’s unlikely to happen. These are just some of the Christmas gifts the Everton boss will be hoping to find under the tree this year.
