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| Everton will be hoping this doesn't happen again (Paul Thomas/Action Images) |
Let’s face it David Moyes may look like skeletor but he’s one hell of a manager. Since he took charge he’s had seven Top 10 finishes out of nine full seasons, spending a net amount of only £31 million. The bulk of that spend came seven years ago now, as in the last two seasons he’s had to balance the books only spending what he’s sold. With that in mind, there are few players who unfortunately I feel could/will be sold. Sales of Baines, Rodwell and Jagielka have all been mooted and I would be very surprised to see all three at Goodison come September 1st. However for arguments sake let’s assume the three stay, and only deadwood is sold (sorry Yobo and Yakubu) so Everton have approximately £12-15 million to spend.
Goalkeepers
For me this position is settled, Tim Howard by far the Number 1 and he rarely misses a match. Mucha is an experienced deputy so you would hope he could cope with the responsibility of filling in for Howard if need be.
Defenders
Over the years generally I’ve found Everton to be very strong here and they’ve got a good first choice back four. Beyond that however I think a full back or two are needed and another centre back, whether the money would be best spent here is another matter. So I would probably try to source an all round defensive player to cover the positions, the jack-of-all-trades who springs to mind is John O’Shea.
Midfielders
Having Arteta fit for a whole season will be a massive bonus for Everton, as when he was out last season there wasn’t a shortage of quality but a shortage of creativity. If they could sign one classy gifted playmaker it would provide a good partner or possibly backup in midfield for Arteta. Possibilities include Hitzlesperger, Andy King and Charlie Adam.
Strikers
If, and it’s a big if, they can keep Saha on the pitch then Everton have got a very talented striker who could bang in 15-20 goals. Unfortunately that will more than likely not be the case, in fact it’s as tricky as keeping Ledley King fit. The deputies of Beckford and Anichebe are not proven goal scorers so I would spend the bulk of the budget here. But to get a 15 goals a season man for under £10 million is a big ask. Bothroyd and Long have been mooted but I don’ think they have the class the loan signing of Sturridge, or maybe look further afield take a gamble on Ola Toivonen.
Goalkeepers
For me this position is settled, Tim Howard by far the Number 1 and he rarely misses a match. Mucha is an experienced deputy so you would hope he could cope with the responsibility of filling in for Howard if need be.
Defenders
Over the years generally I’ve found Everton to be very strong here and they’ve got a good first choice back four. Beyond that however I think a full back or two are needed and another centre back, whether the money would be best spent here is another matter. So I would probably try to source an all round defensive player to cover the positions, the jack-of-all-trades who springs to mind is John O’Shea.
Midfielders
Having Arteta fit for a whole season will be a massive bonus for Everton, as when he was out last season there wasn’t a shortage of quality but a shortage of creativity. If they could sign one classy gifted playmaker it would provide a good partner or possibly backup in midfield for Arteta. Possibilities include Hitzlesperger, Andy King and Charlie Adam.
Strikers
If, and it’s a big if, they can keep Saha on the pitch then Everton have got a very talented striker who could bang in 15-20 goals. Unfortunately that will more than likely not be the case, in fact it’s as tricky as keeping Ledley King fit. The deputies of Beckford and Anichebe are not proven goal scorers so I would spend the bulk of the budget here. But to get a 15 goals a season man for under £10 million is a big ask. Bothroyd and Long have been mooted but I don’ think they have the class the loan signing of Sturridge, or maybe look further afield take a gamble on Ola Toivonen.
Overall these signings will prove futile if Everton again fail to get off to a decent start in the league. However if they do and their signings gel quickly then I could see Everton mounting a challenge for the Champions League places.
Josh
Josh
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