The Everton Squad: Summer 2024

Dyche and the team have enough about him to grind out enough results. Might not be pretty but we'll get there. I agree, we are goal shy but hopefully goals will come from a variety of sources.

Thanks!

Desperately thin squad and I still expect Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin to be flogged for “undisclosed fees”.

Everton have been circling that drain for years. Dyche will need to perform another miracle to keep us up again.

Ndiaye is a good signing.

But is that really a priority / advantage if the manager is not going to use them?

Eric, mad as this sounds — if the options from the bench are good players, then it is more likely they will be used.

It's always enjoyable to discuss players and the squad as opposed to takeover failures and your knowledge of the wider football world is much appreciated.

I note two absentees from the players discussed that the media have consistently said we are pushing for, that is Tchatchou and Kalvin Phillips. Do you know something we don't or have you just discounted them?

Phillips is an enigma for me. He may well turn out to be the steal of the season or just another short-term flop. Tchatchou I don't know a lot about but he seems highly rated.

Like you, I feel Beto will have a much better season and, while he doesn't contribute as much as Calvert-Lewin in terms of holding play and leading the line, to me he is a better chance taker; with more support from the flanks and Ndiaye, I would expect him to be in double figures this season.

As you note, right-back is the obvious current weak spot. Dyche doesn't rate Patterson and Coleman shouldn't be playing more than 5-10 games imo. Wan-Bissaka would be a decent shout but I think he's already talking to West Ham. If we had a decent pacy right-back, we may also see a better attacking version of Harrison. I'm not a Harrison fan myself but he's here now.

I also think Beto is much maligned and we'll see a better striker this season after he's had a year to adjust. He can be a real handful on his day. Calvert-Lewin I can see being sold as we're simply not in a position to let him run his contract down. I'd be happy giving Beto the mantle and reinvesting the cash into a really good right-back or pacy right-winger. Chermiti looks like he'll be good too.

We have a decent first XI, right-back aside, but painfully thin bench. We'll get injuries and suspensions so need a few more in. Coleman and Young playing just gives me the shivers. Both great servants but best years long gone. If either plays, it just puts the wing under more pressure defensively. It would be ideal to find a right-back who could also cover left-back or centre-back (neither Keane nor Holgate should be playing).

At least there's a few weeks until the window closes and we've already done some early business. I'm confident we'll stay up this season, without the drama of last year. I predict Southampton, Ipswich and Palace struggling and Leicester look like they'll be getting a points deduction.

We should have finished mid-table last season and I think we'll have a better squad this season. Whatever people's feelings about Dyche, he has brought some stability on the pitch.

Now if we could just get the off-pitch shit-show sorted….

Lots of possibilities can still play out as the window counts down. I hope we give Dom the new contract (or should I say, I hope he accepts it) as I think he won't risk going into his last year with that injury record. I don't see us getting both Gnonto and Lindestrom, it will be one or the other and will rely on Ndiaye to occasionally play out wide.

I would love O'Brien too but can't see that unless Jarrad is sold. If we loan Lindstrøm, there may be some money left for a centre-mifdfielder, my choice would be O'Reilly from Celtic.

After that, it's all a bit iffy…

There's an article appeared on the BBC from Beto you can read here 'I will make this guy shut his mouth' — Beto on 'haters' where he talks about being motivated by hate, and claims he will shut people's mouths.

A bold claim, one you appear to agree with to some degree. Time will tell!

As an aside, and getting back to why we're all here — does anyone else think we're going to struggle again this season? I have a feeling we'll be bottom-half all season again and things are not going to be plain sailing.

I don't rate our squad at all — we look just as goal-shy as ever.

We will be a wash with players who want to play on the left, and fall into the same trap of no one natural on the right. McNeil, Gnonto, Ndiaye, Harrison all play best on the left.

Centre-midfield looks light in terms of players who can play No 6 or No 8 strongly. Ndiaye, Lindstrøm, Doucouré, Alli all play in the No 10 spot.

Doucouré, Gana, Garner and Iroegbunam look an uninspiring engine room that is going to give up possession and control. Two long-term injuries to Gana and Doucouré, and we are in Shit Street.

Sending Patterson on loan would be madness when the cover is Coleman and Young. You could easily see Coleman go into a back 2 or 3 as emergency cover, and we'd be left playing a 40-year-old as right-wingback.

Upfront is an issue. Beto doesn't convince and Calvert-Lewin has to be sold or given a free transfer at the end of the season. Signing quality is going to be a challenge when there aren't good strikers about.

In
Left-back: Lucas Digne on loan, Marcos Alonso free, Doughty from Luton. (Not sure if Alonso is fit after a back problem.)

Right back: I'd be all in for Wan-Bissaka. He can play right-back, and I think he could cover centre-back with his pace and man-marking ability. If he's in, I'd sell Patterson.

Centre-back: Trevor Chalobah on loan to buy would be sensible business. Chelsea didn't take him to the US, and Dyche could push him on to replace Tarkowski.

Right-wing: I'd be on the phone to Villa for Philogene on loan. I am not convinced on Gnonto, and I think he'd be a better placeholder for now. Asprilla from Watford.

Cenre-midfield: Ugochukwu from Chelsea on loan, he needs game minutes; Tessman, Perrone from Man City. Not Philips, Melo, Rabiot or anyone else incapable of running. McTominay would provide size, goal threat and positional cover. Matt Oriley gets the goal contribution as well. Amir Richardson.

Striker: Adebayo from Luton. I'd buy him all day long. I think for £15-17M he'd be a no-brainer. Fofana, Broja, a recovering Bilal Toure,

Out:
Keane
Holgate
Maupay
Beto
Calvert Lewin — no choice.

The new acquisitions and those pushing for a place from the bench etc may have a big influence on the shape of the squad at the outset of the season.

I don't see much in the way of improvement from the existing players although a fully fit Calvert-Lewin would be a boost along with a better Beto and Chermiti.

Everton don't have the class or the speed that is needed to be a force on offense so I suspect it will be more of the same tactics by Dyche.

It's easy to list players who some would like to see acquired but many are just Summer rumors who don't excite me.

I'd understood that Bayern were in for him but now Man Utd are being linked. We might have been able to pick him up 3 years ago, or even a year ago, but that ship has sailed, he'll be looking for Champions League football.

It would be a real coup if we could sign him but I just don't see it.

I get frustrated by the speculation, and remember fondly the days when players chose to come to Everton, even over our neighbours, as we were one of the big 5.

Not going for Wan-Bissaka amazes me. But what do we know? Thelwell could have approached his agent and been turned down.

I would also have taken a punt on bringing Ross Barkley back. He was outstanding last season in the No 6/No 8 role. (Tin hat at the ready…)

Whatever happens, we know we have to bring in cover and maybe some first choices. If it means selling Calvert-Lewin, I would not be happy, but that's football.

I just hope that we get all the business done by the time the season starts and that deadline day is all about the final few unwanted players getting moved on.

I keep saying I believe we need quantity over quality but I would be very happy if we ended up with Sam's list, especially for a net spend of absolute zero, but I won't be holding my breath!

I'm just not sure centre-midfield looks a priority currently. But if we were adding I'm not sure Phillips would be high up my list unless the terms were favourable. Tchatchou could be an interesting one but looks more a wing-back or winger than a full-back.

Ian@10,

I will politely disagree with some of those assessments. Doucouré is not a No 10 and is on record saying he prefers to play No 8.

Also, Lindstrøm is not a No 10 and played majority of his best season at Frankfurt from the right. And the ‘madness' with Patterson would be keeping him if Dyche doesn't fancy him, we've spent decent money on him and he will only develop with game time not on the bench.

Dyche clearly trusted Young over him last year, let's see if that's changed. Also McTominay would be an uninspiring signing, a limited player IMO who is somewhat in vogue after his only ever decent goalscoring season last year, lots of better ways to spend £30M.

No to Wan-Bissaca due to the above criteria.

Being in this position this early gives me a good feeling. I trust Thelwell has a backup plan for the backup plan that gets disrupted. The future is Blue!

I have to be honest and say that I hope we get rid of Holgate, given his mega blunders over the years and sending off at Sheffield United; we could recruit a better replacement.

I'm not a fan of Kalvin Phillips either, and I am interested to see who we buy or loan to replace Onana. A player of similar physique and height would perhaps continue our improvement.

Calvert-Lewin has yet to play his cards, so maybe a replacement striker is on the way?

No reason why we cannot finish top half, 9th or 10th I believe is very realistic. Expect West Ham to be mid-table. Lopetegui won't do as well there as Moyes has done over the years. I would also expect us to finish above the likes of Crystal Palace, Wolves and Bournemouth.

In the past 3 or 4 years since Moshiri pulled the plug, our net spend stands at €128.30M — we are the absolute stand-out outliers in the Premier League in this respect. No-one else comes close. In the same period, Ipswich (with a net spend of —€78M) have invested €200M more than us in their playing squad.

Sad to be the voice of doom but I can't see anything to suggest we will even approach a net spend of nil, Tony. With the takeover dragging on and uncertain, I would expect us to spend much less than we bring in through sales this summer.

This rules out many of the sorts of deals mentioned in the response to the thread.

Barry #8, well — yes… but look on the bright side. I think Ndiaye will be a popular player once he settles down.

And Jack #17, I agree. What is it about wanting old players back? And why does anyone think they would be remotely interested in coming back?

I found this a very enjoyable read and analysis of what we could need and what is out there, I assume the mentioned are within our price range?

Should Calvert-Lewin move on, I have to say I was very impressed with Ben Brereton Diaz when he played for Sheffield Utd against us at the end of the season. His work ethic that day was constant and he never gave up trying to be a threat. At 25 and with his physical attributes, he could be a real bargain; he has height, quick feet, and is not lacking pace either.

Big expenditure should only be on players 24 or under except in exceptional circumstances. Wan-Bissaka is only 26 though and I think a cost of £10-15M for him represents decent value.

Kunal @22,

I think Top 10 is not implausible but would be an impressive achievement given the quality of our squad compared to some of the teams above us. Transfermarkt is a crude tool but has our squad value at around 16th in the Premier League, which seems about right. Any finish above that could feasibly be considered overperformance.

Me?

1. This time of the year, for decades, I am insanely hopeful. Never seen the point otherwise.

2. Players? Now I'm 63| and not as in-tune as I was once, but I have a strange sense that, if the gaffer feels under less relegation pressure, he may get existing and new additions to play more attacking and faster. I do think he can do that.

Prediction? 10th place and a cup quarter-final.

My reservations on Doucouré is that I don't think his body will last playing an entire season in centre-midfield. He struggled after injuries and missed enough games in that advanced role; putting him in a more demanding role is asking for more weeks on the treatment table to me.

The switch to playing behind the striker suited him; I am surprised anyone sees him still capable of playing as a No 8 for more than a couple of games. His better days are done as his pace and stamina get less.

On Patterson, I did say I'd sell him if you could get Wan-Bissaka in. I am not sure loaning him out to the Championship is going to help achieve anything. We need the cash now and, if he has another season of injury and poor form, then he's going to be worthless and a year shorter on his contract. For me, it's play or sell only. Once he's gone out on loan, I see little prospect of him making a return success in an Everton XI.

I don't disagree on McTominay on the fee if that's the asking price. It was his type of physicality and ability to play 2 or 3 positions that attracts. Many will be sniffy on him, but he'd be our best midfielder by a country mile.

From what I've read on Lindstrøm, he plays most of his games centrally. The stats I'd seen was 60% of his games were central attacking midfield. He looks a gangly sort of dribbler who could perhaps play a wide-right role. Doesn't look a world beater, but I think he could do us a good job in getting some goals.

I work in Leeds and one of their fans' big moans about Gnonto is that he never gets to the byline. Always comes inside.

I've always thought crosses that are pulled back are infinitely more dangerous than those swung in from 18 yards out. But I'm sure there are some xG type figures that show I'm completely wrong…

I certainly think, with McNeil's quick feet and shooting ability, that he could score a lot more from that position.

I have a feeling that Patterson will move on, despite great promise with overtures north of the border, he looked very venerable at right-back. I would love him to thrive because the lad has ability.

I also think you will see a different Beto after his first difficult start in the Premier League. Chermiti looks as though he could be something really special given time.

He doesn't track back, regularly goes missing, but knocks in a few goals and suddenly he's a star midfielder.

There is a reason Man Utd fans want shot of him; it's because he really isn't very good.

Like going back to the David Moyes era, when Mr Kenwright worked miracles to make sure his manager had at least £5 million to spend each summer, maybe Martin?

I also doubt very much that we can afford Wan-Bissaka.

If you want players from Man Utd, the more likely candidates are three players all seeing out the last year of their contracts (albeit options to extend). Possible loans with option to buy:

- Mejbri (poor loan at Seville, albeit very good prior loan at Birmingham).

- Pellestri (after a decent loan at Granada)

- Diallo (although suspect he'll be retained with the first team squad)

It's hard to know what Moshiri will do next, he told Man Utd to do one in regard of Branthwaite and it seems like he's not for reducing what he wants for the club. Hardly the actions of a cash-strapped owner…

We definitely need another left-back and we are also a bit thin at right-back.

Unlike you, I don't fancy Phillips, going off his Man City antics; it seems like the money went to his head and the desire went out the window. I think if we signed him, it could go either way, he might have got his head together or maybe not.

I like the look of Ndiaye and I fancy Chermiti to excel if he is given a chance. Also, Keane is better than how he is commonly viewed on here.

Obviously, a lot depends on what happens with Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin but overall I am very happy with the manager and Thelwell seems to know what he's doing.

I'm optimistic that we will stay up as things stand just now but we will have to wait and see what the squad is when the window is closed.

I would like to see us recruit the 2 Italians, Givvus Allegbraker to provide defensive cover and Smakker Bacconetta to add firepower upfront.

He scored 10 goals last season, which is more than any other Everton player including Calvert-Lewin. 8 more than Garner, 7 more than McNeil, 7 more than Harrison etc.

Man Utd fans might not rate him, but I am sure they're happier having him than our central midfield contingent...

6f-4in, good in the air, can score, can get box to box, can pass, can tackle,
knows the league, is out of our price range...

"Sometimes I like to read my comments when I played badly or missed chances. They will say ‘he is shit with missing chances.' But I like it because I say: ‘OK, I will make this guy shut his mouth.' I take it personal too. When I'm in training the next week or the next day, I remember it and I say ‘no, this guy is not going to say this about me any more' and I keep going.”

Raymond #35, I agree with you right down the line.

Neil #36, I believe Allegbraker is Swiss, not Italian. But I could be mistaken.

Our most experienced back-up is Tyrer, who spent the last 2 seasons playing non-league football. Had success, but still.

That aside, Sam takes an upbeat view, which I think proper as the new season approaches. So, I'll go along with him.

Ferdi Kadioglu would be a brilliant signing.

Let's take it into the coming season. I too think we'll be comfortable. Possibly more than.

If true, he will be an interesting addition. He reminds me a touch of Iwobi (sorry, Colin Glassar) in that he will play nominally on the wing (probably the right) but will drift inside frequently.

He has great pace and tricky feet though I'm curious to see if he has the work rate to appease Dyche. My worry is he may prove to be another Danjuma, a talented attacker who remains mostly on the bench.

I agree with Sam, there is a question as to whether he will be considered somewhat of a luxury by Sean Dyche, with Harrison is preferred.

Mike Gaynes... I saw that post regarding Beto's comments — how many other teams have players so regularly coming out and talking about the negativity of their fan base affecting them? Calvert-Lewin last season, Beto just now. When are this loud minority of negative twats going to sit up and take note?

It's about time some youngsters stepped up and provided more depth in the squad.

Hopefully more settled in the UK and the Premier League.

Let's face it, he's no more guilty of missing the target than a lot of our players were!!

He gives us a different option as he can be a bit of a brute and bully defenders.

Don't get me wrong, I'll make my observations afterwards and that may be critical for a poor performance, but not at the individual.

For years, I stuck up for Hibbert and Osman as they seemed to be the whipping boys for some. I get frustration for an individual game, but next thing you know, he'll go and score.

If they're playing in blue, they get my support.

Goalkeeper, central defence, and maybe even striker looks somewhere between good and acceptable. I'm not sure anywhere else is.

The centre of midfield is a huge concern to me. Doucoure isn't a midfielder, Dele Alli isn't even really a player, Tim Iroegbunam is an unknown.

I like Garner but he's not yet shown he should be a regular in a Premier League midfield. At 23, he's the one developing into the position.

There are a lot of eggs in the Gana basket... he's the one proven player in there and he's turning 35 at the start of the season. How much do you expect out of him?

That's where I'd spend or loan.

I'd personally like to see Kalvin Phillips on loan as I think our centre-midfield is a bit of a weakness. Getting him fit and back to his best would be a real bonus and he could really improve the side.

For the full-back role, I'd go Walker-Peters. Covers both right- and left-back and in the last year of his contract so shouldn't be too pricey. He would be first choice right-back and if Mykolenko gets injured, he's still pretty good on the left.

Sell anyone who's in their last year of their contract, including Doucouré, as there's plenty of cover in his position now with Ndiaye and Lindstrøm coming in.

Garner managed 34 starts last season so clearly Dyche has lots of faith in him. I expect he will play a lot again this season, mostly alongside Gana who shows no signs currently of slowing down and ended the season strongly. Remains to be seen what Iroegbunam can provide and I think Doucoure can still offer something as a No 8.

Wouldn't be surprised to see another centre-midfielder come in but, if that doesn't happen, I'd hope we could at least match last season's levels there.

If we buy Gnonto, it will be the first time in a few seasons where we have some real choices with attacking options, with the wide players and No 10 role, or false No 9 role.

If we also give Dele his contract, I think Doucouré will move back into a deeper regular midfield role, like he was used by Carlo.

Mind the sender did say he's only seen it on Twitter, so probably all bollox.

With Lindstrøm, Ndiaye and quite possibly Dele, it's hard to see what Doucoure's role will be next season, so maybe there's some legs in the story he's off.

He's been a decent signing for us and has been an important player for Dyche, but I'd really like us to be a bit more fluid in the final third this season.

Given the signings made and to come, I think cashing in makes sense for all, if the interest is true.

Just 2 goals in 37 Premier League games for that position is poor.

I did see that on Twitter but it's from a source who usually spouts rubbish.

I think this is a great signing, real pace and an eye for a goal. Still think we need:

Winger (Gnonto)
Decent right-back
Defender
Midfielder

Then that will be a decent transfer window.

Or in the last four seasons for that matter?

The answers are zero -- that's right, zero -- and two.

"...bite the Saudis hand off for £8M" Denis??

Really?

However, no harm in critiquing his performances. To be kind, would be to say he was a headless chicken at times.

The truth was he was akin to playing Fifa on a PlayStation when you've always played on X-Box — watching him was like somebody kept getting confused with the buttons and pressing “O” instead of “Square”.

Abraham I always rated (unsure what happened to him last season - maybe injured) and a cheap option who would simply “do a job” would be Diaz.

I was being sarcastic.

Not many, I would say…

While I agree mostly with your 'shopping list' of players still required, I fail to see why you and everyone thinks we need a right-back with Seamus chipping in — I still think Patterson will be good once he gets a run of games. We have Ashley Young as cover too, and I was impressed with Roman Dixon in the Sligo friendly.

However various reports, if true, have possible bids coming in for Mykolenko from Italian sides, and that is assuming his injury woes are behind him. We have very little cover for left-back should either happen. I think left-back is more priority than right-back.

I also wish we knew what was happening with Calvert-Lewin (not renewing) so a cash in before he becomes free agent next season would be preferable, and Beto has more question marks, than good marks!

That one he scored in front of our eyes at Brighton after about 2 or 3 minutes when we had just taken our places, set us up for an emphatic victory.

And then the sublime strike against Bournemouth that kept us up.

He is exactly what we need and, as others have stated, we are now well stocked with No 10s.

I'd like to see Waita Varchek, the Polish No 10 paired with Smakker Bacconetta. He's a great player, very creative and good engine, but he does have a habit of straying offside.

I totally agree about Beto:- No one compares to Calvert-Lewin in the air, but quite a few can compare in shot accuracy and shot power, so Beto could make up a deficit there over him.

Those Doucouré stats are incredible. He has obviously been a key part of keeping us afloat through a series of relegation battles. And he's one of the few signings from the awful 2016 to 2021 era that you could argue was worth the money.

However, he is not a great player, let's be honest. When we had a more talented player in his position — like Sigurdsson — we didn't seem to be in relegation battles and we scored more goals.

So you could also read the stats as meaning we are over-reliant on a very limited player in Doucouré — a player who pulls his weight but also limits the quality of football we play.

Lindstrøm, who I have never seen play, is not a Dyche player apparently, because it's said he doesn't work hard enough. Can anyone seriously imagine Klopp or Guardiola, picking a player who doesn't work hard enough?

I hope we sign him because suddenly we might have a few players who genuinely like having the ball at their feet and this might even move us away from playing Dycheball.

Is Dycheball a tactic that the great Italian master, Ancelotti, used for most of his time at Everton, with better players, Or am I missing something?

Doucouré has been a great servant but every player leaves at some point. He's in his 30s; in the last year of his contract, and is our highest earner. With the players being brought in, I think we'll be fine without him.

I'm agnostic whether he stays or goes but, given our finances, if someone offered £18M, we'd be mad not to accept.

We need a left-back and a right-back. If we get Lindstrøm and Gnonto, then what is the point of Harrison? Can he play centre-midfield as cover for Gaye or Garner ?

Sadly our midfield has received the bulk of the spending to the detriment of other positions. It is still not right but I would be loathe to fire in more money when we are inadequate up front and as described in defence.

Strengthening is required in at least 8 positions. Let's see what the Onana funds bring — or are they already spent???

Speaking of which, I see Phillips had another stormer for Man City against Celtic last night, a snip at £20M!! What's wrong with our recruitment team?

As for Doucoure, he's coming to the end of his contract and we will miss his contribution when he goes. Not the world's best footballer but can be very effective for us when he is on blob and will need to be replaced.

One of my main concerns is our right side from fullback to winger or wingback. We definitely need reinforcements here, as we are looking very unbalanced and vulnerable at the moment.

It forces Dyche to play players out of position (usually Harrison) and that means we don't really see the best of the lad.

We desperately need a right-back and, although I've been banging on about Wan-Bissaka, I think his wage demands would be too much for Everton, but we definitely need cover in this position.

Then of course it will be just a matter of a cover centre-back, a creative midfielder, a goal scorer and a right winger with pace who can put balls in the box!! Simple!!

At the moment, Transfermarkt independently rates us as as having the 16th best squad in the division. We would need to spend £100M (+) net to materially change that - and £300M (+) net to have a squad comparable to the lowest reaches of the Rich 8 (usual suspects + Villa and Newcastle).

Since we'll get absolutely nowhere near that level of spending, realistically nothing of note can be achieved next season (apart from the very slim possibility of a cup win).

What we need to do this summer is build the foundations for a much better squad in future seasons. I expect a few more signings to be made, to help steady the ship (like the links to players like Phillips), and with an eye to the future (eg, like Chermiti last summer).

I absolutely agree with you but I am not sure Dyche is convinced of Patterson. Seamus and Young will get found out so that's the only reason I think we have to get a decent right-back.

I forgot about Dixon, so maybe he will be used more.

What a club!

With a run of games, I am convinced he will be out right-back for years.

Oddly enough, I think that, without a Gestapo Premier League points deduction hit squad on our backs, the squad may — and I reinforce the word "may" — get close to the lowest European place available.

I am under no illusion of the hefty task Dyche is under still. I think a cup is beyond us. The corrupt-u-likes have ensured that they own those rights.

COYB

If we have Lindstrøm, Ndiaye and possibly Gnonto, what would our formation be?

None of them would be brought in to sit on the bench.

Most teams would have 2 specialists for each position so potentially McNeil, Lindstrøm, Harrison and Gnonto might be vying for the 2 wing spots.

If that were the case, I'd say it was the best collection of wide players we'd had in a while. But perhaps after Lindstrøm signs, Thelwell might leave Gnonto and decide funds are better spent elsewhere.

I think, or believe the reasoning will be, that if all fit, and 5 subs being allowed nowadays, they (management) will see what the situation is at the halfway point, and then, if not working, make significant changes in wide players.

Ndiaye doesn't class himself as a winger, as I don't class Harrison as one, plenty of graft with little end product, Ndiaye sees himself more as an attacking midfielder.

In terms of formation, I expect we will generally stick with the 4-4-1-1 (ish) formation that we settled upon last season. However, versatile players like Lindstrøm and Ndiaye mean that we will be able to switch into 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 more effectively.

However, I am not sure either of our back-up central defenders will!

Dyche is likely to start all the usual players in a 4-5-1, and then only start new players in time. We all saw Keane have to have poor games before Branthwaite was given his chance. That's how Dyche does it.

From what we have, you could go 4-3-2-1 with McNeil playing as a 3 with Doucoure, Gana or Garner. Harrison, Ndiaye or Lindstrøm ahead.

Likely to be Beto ahead, Bologna have signed a replacement to Zirkzee. Calvert-Lewin going. Milik being linked, I think he will want better than us.

Patterson — Watched the Seamus documentary. Making of him was going out on loan and, when he came back, could not decide: winger or right-back? I can see history repeating itself.

Gnonto — Goes missing was one of the quotes. Not a Dyche player. Might get us out of our seats, might get us into the Championship

Gana — seems to be crucial. 31 points in the 24 games he started. Only lost to a non-Top 8 side 3 times when he played.

Garner — played right-back for England U21s.

Competition for Bottom 3:

Leicester — with points deduction
Ipswich — how many were playing League One in 2022-23?
Southampton — Won the playoff and are they materially better than 2022-23?
Forest — finished on 36 before points deduction (we were 48).
Brentford — dropped 20 points compared to 2022-23 season. Slide to continue and Toney to leave?
Brighton — Manager gone, and also only had 48 points last season.
Us — because we are Everton.

That makes 3 from 7 in my book.

Derek, given we signed Ndiaye early, I think he'll go straight into the first team. He'll be too good to start on the bench imo.

My only wish now is to sign a decent right-back and sort out the Calvert-Lewin position asap and not have it linger to the end of August. If he's not signing a contract, then Beto should be given the nod.

Stating the obvious but would be great to start the season with 3 points at home to Brighton and Beto getting off the mark. The first couple of away games are tricky.

Gnonto is a (semi-proven) pocket-rocket, relatively low-price investment with bags of potential, who can play anywhere across the front line. If Calvert-Lewin goes, I could see Lindstrøm, Gnonto and Ndiaye being a very flexible, interchangeable front three.

It would also mean the end of Dycheball.

I hope and believe that Dyche is looking to build a quality flexible side where subs with fresh legs are the same quality as those they are replacing.

Also good to see us finally looking at players who can score goals. One of my bugbears for years that, since Fellaini, we haven't brought a decent goalscorer in the supporting positions.

Remember the days when Coleman, Baines, Fellaini, Barkley, Richarlison, Deulofeu etc used to contribute and we replaced them with Harrison, Garner, Gana and Onana to name but a few.

I really hope we get Gnonto and a quality right-back.

Robert/Tony/Denis, in my opinion Doucoure is irreplaceable at this point because he is the steel in our spine, the raw will of the club -- him and Tarks. Neither his phenomenal work rate nor his weak ball skills mean anywhere near as much as the drive and commitment he injects into the players around him. This kind of influence is something you usually see only in top-quality players, which Doucoure is not. He's amazing.

And until we find somebody else who can deliver this undefinable quality, and until we show we can win and stay up without him, I say we need to hold onto Doucouré at all costs.

Jay, I noticed that too. Dwight has been our best attacking player for two seasons now, and suddenly he's The Forgotten Man? I doubt it. Dyche knows his quality.

Peter, we always have been, and like you I am very glad to see it finally addressed. Pace is our biggest need still.

Ian, thanks for posting that link, very good article. Jibes with what I saw of him a couple of years ago in a game against Dortmund. He didn't score but he had some superb dribbles.

I believe he was on loan from Juventus but this guy would be a steal at £25M in my opinion. I just don't see how Everton could be in the mix for him but you never know, Juventus may need the cash. I'd love to see him in Everton blue.

Like you I watched a great deal of Serie A and, also like you, I was really impressed by Soule. This article indicates he is off to Roma though.

Any team which features Doucouré automatically surrenders the lion's share of possession. The more he is involved, the less possession we have. He is almost guaranteed to surrender the ball.

People bang on about pace and power and ability to make a pass, but the basic requirement for playing good football is the ability to take a pass. if we had a few more players who could instantly bring a ball under their spell, our play would quicken up in an instant and we would win more games.

I can appreciate the efforts and even heroics of the likes of the likes of Tarkowski and Doucouré, but they have spent nearly all their careers fighting relegation. There's a good reason for that.

Calvert-Lewin gets murdered on here, McNeil also gets his share of stick, but along with Branthwaite and possibly Garner, they are the only natural footballers in the team. The rest of the team end up in a worse position after they have controlled a pass than they were when it was played to them.

We all bemoan the fact that our football has been ugly for years. Yet we make heroes and favourites out of last-ditch stoppers. gallopers, and people who simply can't play.

Kuhn 2 goals and an assist, O'Riley picking him out with some great passing.

The same Doucouré that saved us with his goal contribution while Calvert-Lewin fluffed chance after chance.

He may not be the most technically gifted or a good paaser… but you can't fault his effort and work rate — and every team needs at least one player like that.

BTW, can anyone explain why we are still being linked with loans for Phillips and Broja? I thought the loan limit was two unless they are under 21?

I think you can have a certain amount from abroad and at home.

We've used one domestic and one overseas now.

I'm prepared to acknowledge Doucouré's heroics. In fact, I did… but footballer? He's never been one.

You're perfectly at liberty to champion him. That's your prerogative. I believe that, if we continue to play players who have only ever battled relegation playing for ugly teams, then we will remain ugly and we will continue to make beating the drop our prime objective.

Somewhere down the line, this club has to rid itself of people who cannot control a football. Personally, I would start right now and, if I could get a half-decent fee for Doucouré, I would start with him.

I only asked because you have him on the outgoings:-

Neal Maupay — £10M

Ah well. Hopes dashed.

We sure need two players vying for places in each position. I hope we do get the guys as you have stated. I read that Ndiaye was a winger not a centre-forward although he has been labelled as one. We may end up with three.

Mykolenko is a big concern with his injury issues. I want to see right and left defence reinforced.

I can't see goalscorers coming in. We seem to have a chronic allergy against signing them.

We have been weak on loan signings. Harrison again (I'm not a fan but he is a blue so gets my full support). Lindstrøm would be a loan. Mixed reviews about him.

Thing is, Dyche has favourites. He has a set eleven that will always start. If your face doesn't fit, you are a bench warmer or stand-in. It is rare he varies from that premise.

Hopefully we will be in a position this season to fill all loan slots available so we have a more resilient squad. I hate seeing a bench containing 50-75% of youth players who have no chance of getting on under any circumstances. And 2 reserve goalkeepers… argh!!

"BTW can anyone explain why we are still being linked with loans for Phillips and Broja? I thought the loan limit was two unless they are under 21?"

Forget the loan limit, surely the question is why we are linked with two overpaid players who are both crap?

2 from home; 2 from abroad.

Fitness is not a problem.

I've said a few times he looked like he had his boots on the wrong feet.

The frustrations with him are similar to Iwobi, you just never know what you're going to get.

With the attacking players we have now, I think he will fill the void left by Onana and will be a clear upgrade on him.

Doucouré was one of the better ones.

We'd turn over possession too quickly and get slaughtered if he played there.

If there's any truth in the rumours about Doucoure to Saudi, for £18M, I'd definitely take it, couldn't fault his effort and a few very important goals, but a player with a poor first touch, and in his final year on £130k, he's doesn't deserve to be the highest earner.

Give it to Calvert-Lewin with a new contract; our No 9 would be a bigger loss.

I believe that anyone who plays for a living, in what I still refer to as the Fourth Division, can certainly play, and I wonder who you played for?

Hi Danny,

I agree that some players can be frustrating but, as I have said to Dave Cashen, they are good enough to earn a living. I'm looking forward to seeing you again at the Harlech Castle or Bramley Moore.

Doucouré is a fine footballer and should be a mainstay in our team.

I probably should have used the word unpredictable to describe Doucoure.

Yes, it will be good to meet up with you and everyone again. Always a pleasure to be amongst friends and have healthy debate!!

Brereton Diaz from Sheffield Utd and a couple of the Luton players caught the eye last season (Mengi & Adebayo).

And apparently Origi is playing with Milan youth team…. Just saying.

There are bargains to be had, surely!

I couldn't disagree with you more. I have seen hundreds maybe even thousands of what I would consider "athletes" earn a living playing football.

I have seen similar numbers of what I call "footballers" who were not athletic enough to earn a living playing the game.

In a former Iife, I played with and against many people. Not one of them got even close to Doucouré in terms of pace, power, or athleticism, but I saw quite a few that could do things with a ball that he couldn't. They didn't make it.

To answer your question; I played for nobody of note, I had to stop playing at a very young age for reasons I won't go into, but truth be told, I never in my wildest dreams would I have been athletic enough to have earned a decent living playing the game.

I didn't abuse Doucouré. I hate hearing our players getting abuse. I gave an honest opinion of what I see as his skills and deficiencies.

If you have to have been a professional to criticise a Premier League player on this website, I guess we would all be logging on to see Tony Abrahams arguing the toss with himself.

Sorry my post was meant to be a reply to you too.

For me, players like Doucouré are the reason so many games turn out to be stale wars of attrition.

They are usually good enough to stop the opposition playing, but rarely good enough to break them down.

But steel like his is something no team can win without. And in this club, right now, only he and Tarkowski have that necessary element.

We cannot sell him without finding someone else of similarly contagious drive.

He is not fabulously skilled but he is fabulously committed in attitude and application, in contrast to more than a few of their many other useless and ruinously expensive signings.

So, the lad epitomises what some deride as "Dycheball", ie, the very survival of the club in stark contrast to the utter ineptitude of those 100% responsible for the mundanity on the pitch that we've through gritted teeth had to endure for decades.

If we want to survive next season, and the next, and the one after that minimum, we're going to have to be dependent on Doucoure-like qualities throughout the squad, thereby establishing a reputation as a potentially good enough club to be attractive to better quality young footballers who deliver what Doucoure delivers, but with bells on.

The lad has earned our support.

As have Dyche and Thelwell as they have to continue trying to shove water uphill, through no fault of their own.

Like you, I have deep respect for John, but his constant reply to anyone on here who dares to criticise one of our players — “ I wonder who you played for?” — drives me nuts.

It is neither helpful or constructive and gets us nowhere other than the adage that to criticise a lad on the pitch you must have had to play for someone somewhere, presumably at the same level as the player you are expressing an opinion about.

John often seems to conflate criticism with abuse. They are very different. Every fan has the right to constructively and reasonably criticise anyone who plays for the team they love. John is, of course, absolutely entitled not to criticise our players as he constantly reminds us he does not do. But I wish that he would stop asking someone who they played for if they question one of our players.

John's position would close down most footy fan forums. How many ex-players flock to fan sites after they hang up their boots for the last time?

We are lucky to have one on here — Tony Abrahams (we do have someone with the same name as an ex-shite fella, but for the life of me I can't remember it) — who is someone I always look forward to reading. Actually, Dave, I quite like the idea that if John got his way ToffeeWeb would become Tony talking to Tony. That would certainly raise the quality of threads!

“He is fabulously committed in attitude and application.”

Yes, and that is why I love him. Doucouré has never stopped playing his heart out for our club — especially when we looked done for. As well as that, every time I see that great big smile on his face, it makes me feel happy.

He's our most expensive player in terms of salary and only has 1 year left on his contract so we either have to secure him for longer or try to get what we can for him now.

There's been no talk either way coming from the club or even clickbait media speculation. Unless he has an extension option in his contract?

I don't think playing is a qualification to opine on football or Everton. Many watch religiously every week, be that at the match or online.

I did actually play to a decent standard.

Doucouré drops into midfield when the opposition attacks, has the energy to support the transition when we counter, he presses defences with intensity, he can get up to support Calvert-Lewin when we aim long balls his way. He can also score goals with foot or head.

But, his ability to control the ball and pass the ball is dreadful. So many counter-attacks break down when he misplaces a pass. So it depends how ambitious Sean Dyche plans to be in setting up his team next season.

Ndiaye should play in Doucouré's role next season to better link play formations, but we will lose the intensity of the press and the energy to drop into the midfield when we need to defend. Unfortunately, I think Ndiaye will be pushed out to a wide position as cover for McNeil or Harrison.

I was about to say I played to a decent standard. Semi-professional and had my moment at Bellefield but didn't make it. I played Army standard and, for those who know, that is semi-pro standard.

I coached at youth level at a club that, at the time, was then Conference or Conference south level. So what? Not the big I am. And it doesn't make me anymore qualified than those on here, at the match or watching on the screen to comment on football and Everton.

One thing the coaching did, having my FA Level 2, is that I'm often looking where the ball is going next. It's probably why I often need telling who has scored!!

Keep debating. We can't always agree all of the time. There is nothing wrong with that.

You pick James Garner as possibly one of our 'most natural footballers'. Yet, in his 53 Premier League matches, James has managed just 1 goal and 3 assists.

Garner's general passing stats are only on a par with Doucouré but his progressive passing completion is much worse. Also, for me, Garner is a less dynamic footballer than Doucouré, who makes far more game changing interventions.

As James Garner turns 24 next season, it is his contribution to our Premier League status l would worry about, not Doucouré's.

On one hand, I don't believe he is as unskilled as some people make out; he ranks fairly well across the league in pass completion stats and forward passes and progressive carries. He loses the ball less than the likes of Harrison and McNeil.

I agree with Denver@83 that he has a different skillset than Onana and will be less secure in possession or able to distribute it long; but I don't think he's nearly as poor on the ball as some are making out.

On the other hand, I don't believe what he does for the team should be so hard to replace. He certainly puts in the yards, and that is a fundamental part of a hard-working Dyche team, but there are lots of athletic players out there who should be able to replicate that, whilst perhaps showing a slight upturn in composure and vision.

I don't think replacing Doucoure is a priority this summer (wingers and right-back are key) but perhaps next year will be the time to focus on upgrades in the middle.

Don't get me wrong: he's not a technical genius with the ball but he falls into the Steven Naismith, Tim Cahill category of being able to get into goal-scoring positions, and I like that kind of midfield player.

James Garner is predominantly a decent Number 6, he's not shown me any signs that he will be a progressive creative midfielder in his two seasons here so far but a Number 6 that keeps things ticking over, yes.

I heard some people at times compare him to our present day Mikel Arteta, silly comparison to make, completely different kind of footballer and nowhere near the same skill set as Arteta.

What we need right now is Ndiaye to provide good competition to Doucouré in that position and hopefully replace him, it will mean he's actually performing to a good standard.

We also have Lindstrøm coming in who I believe can play in that role too and might even surpass the other two mentioned.

At the end of the day, we need goals, we didn't score enough last season.

I played quite a few games with Steve Stone, who was my central midfield partner, but I think Stoney ended up making a very good career for himself out wide, and even got a few England caps because of his very honest endeavor.

I'm not degrading Stone because he was a very good player but sometimes I look at Doucouré and wonder why our first team coach has never suggested to the manager why he hasn't tried him out wide? He has got exactly that same endurance.

Similar with Ian Woan, who I unfortunately never had the pleasure to play with, who made a career out wide — without having any real pace, I think? — and was probably a player who would have been more effective inside because of this? Has he ever suggested to Dyche about trying Dwight McNeil inside?

In our generation, we had a wide player who wasn't necessarily blessed with pace, but he became arguably our best player. He was also effective in what we now call the Number 10 role. And he could take the odd free kick!!!

I agree with Dave. If this lad signs, let's judge himwith our own eyes when he's wearing an Everton shirt.

Your third paragraph describes Doucoure very well, he has good and bad points but he definitely exasperates the crowd with his lack of control, poor passing and the many stupid fouls he gives away, getting booked needlessly.

He does a job, an honest player, but I don't think I would miss him too much.

We lack a lot of quality and pace in most areas of the pitch which is made up for with effort. Effort that Dyche and the coaches have instilled in the squad.

We need a right-back, we need goals from any position as we haven't got enough of them in this squad.

If Calvert-Lewin isn't signing a new contract, we need to sell him and replace asap.

Last season, we created a load of half opportunities and took very few. The addition of a new right-midfielder will give us balance.

I would like a replacement for Onana as our defensive record was very good due to having a shield in front of the back 4.

The more I think about it, the more I am concerned about how we would cope with injuries.

Who is now going to stand in the middle of the pitch waving his arms and trying to enthuse the crowd to Make Some Noise?

I can't find the post from Dave Cashen, prompting my reaction. I can't quote it word by word, but I can tell the difference between abuse and criticism.

Regarding the "I wonder who you played for", was the first time I have used that phrase, and on reflection, it was wrong to do so. The phrase I have often used is, "I don't pick on individuals, we win or lose as a team".

Fair enough Rob, yes I admire the passion and endeavour of Doucoure — not to mention the priceless goals he has contributed over the last couple of seasons — so pointing out his faults resulted in my final paragraph.@130.

That's why it's often better when we meet up. At least then we will still argue and debate, but it's face-to-face and often the biggest debate is who is getting the next round in!!

Keep posting John. Keep posting everyone. For goodness sake, I spout some shite at times!! And I don't mind being called out. You want to hear conversations between me, my brothers and nephew. You would think we supported different clubs. We're all lifelong Evertonians!!!

I responded to your first post because you addressed it to me. I tried to do so with respect for your seniority.

I too know the difference between abuse and criticism and nowhere have I abused a player on this thread — or any other.

Doucoure was not picked on; he was already part of the conversation. Some posters were suggesting he is irreplaceable right now.

Whilst I understand that train of thought, I don't agree with it and I said why. I also said the lack of technical ability (at the highest level) ran throughout the squad. I mentioned four players I thought had the required technical skill to make the team more dynamic and easier on the eye, but I think we need more, or we`ll just keep getting the same performances.

It's a football website and if you (especially with your vast experience) and anybody else don't agree with my opinion, you are perfectly at liberty to say so.

For the record: there is not a single member of our squad that I don't feel grateful to. In the face of desperate uncertainty, they stood firm, gave 100% and, as a result, EFC is still standing.

When he gets the ball, players are typically out of position making runs. Often, those runs are tracked tightly enough to make vision difficult. Additionally, Doucouré is at his best on the run with enough space to turn. In tight spaces, he needs a give-and-go that isn't available.

As an advanced No 8, he could become more effective. With more confidence and a more regular pattern of getting out of our half, he could be a monster of a midfielder for the opposition defence.

He has paid his dues as a shoehorned player in an unwanted role. We survived thanks to his heroics. Let's give him another look with some quality possession players around him.

I believe he will shake off the stray passes and thrill in a more supportive role. And 'contagious drive' was the phrase of this thread, well played, Mike.

Putting the ball in the onion bag; I reckon less than a third of elite footballers are comfortable doing this. And it's not easy to get these players; young ones go for crazy amounts, old ones cost a bomb too.

The new players are clearly talented, but I think it's worth bearing in mind what a difficult task they are being set. For varying reasons, these players have had underwhelming seasons, and so little old Everton have been able to attract them.

But they are players low in confidence, coming into a team that has forgotten how to score many goals. So, let's hope they lift us up, rather than us dragging them down.

Dyche is happier keeping it tight, and it's worth reflecting that if we can get a good right back this summer, we'll have a defence as good as any in the Premier League.

Dave you'd be spitting feathers if you'd read the player your referring to's latest public offering.

In short, he reckons that, because Everton play a "different kind" of football, he wasn't able to show his full skillset … but he was able to do so at the Euros.

See Dave, we were just unlucky enough not to play the type of football to make him look amazing, whereas in the Euros, Belgium did — and he showed just what he can do.

[*Author's note*: For those who don't recognize sarcasm (the Yanks, for instance), this post may contain a certain amount.]

In case you're desperate to read the words of the great footballing talent Brian is teasing about who is no longer with us… I posted them for you on the second Onana thread.

Some very interesting, informative and respectful posts and debates.

The first post on the Doucoure subject was yours @ [95] which was answered by Jay Harris @ [97] followed by yourself @ [100] and I came in [@] [110].

I'm quite willing to draw a veil over the subject and I apologise for any ill-will that may have resulted.

Not so mate.

There were sixteen post sandwiched between post 51 and post 75, which all referenced the Doucoure situation and his playing ability / Value to the team.

My post (95) was not the 1st. it was the 18th. It was chiefly in response to the 17th - Mike (92). He's clearly a big admirer. While I simply cannot accept Doucoure is irreplaceable.

I'm happy to draw a veil over this entire thread. I've said just about as much as I have got to say.

Apologies? None asked for, none required. We're passionate Evertonians and I'd be far more worried if we didn't disagree on at least a million things.

John, thanks for your typical gentlemanly reply and please accept my apologies for misrepresenting you.

I should not post on here minutes after watching CNN's reporting on the latest Trump rally.

You say, if Dom goes, you'd be happy with Beto first choice, that he'd surprise some? He definitely wouldn't surprise me.

Looking at him up close in Sligo, his touch was shocking and even the fans around me were shaking their heads with how poor he was, he nearly hit the corner flag with the outside of his right foot from 10 yards.

Not impressed with Onana saying he wasn't allowed play his normal game at Everton, and highlighting his performance for Belgium at the Euros. I personally couldn't see any difference.

We all know of Tony's achievements but not only was I two-footed and a skilful header of the ball but I was also team captain.

My headmaster told my dad he had no idea how I could be replaced when I moved on to secondary school!

We are not worthy, we are not worthy.

Outgoing:

Apart from those who were sold or let go — Godfrey, Onana, Dobbin, Danjuma, Andre Gomes — I expect Thelwell to sell Maupay and Holgate (hopefully we get about ~£5M each). I make that as £45-50M in net sales.

Incoming:

Tom Iroegbunam (£10M) — I haven't seen him play, but he should get some useful minutes this season.

Ndiaye (£15M) — very interesting player, and it feels good to have him in the team. He should play the Doucoure role this season.

Harrison (on loan) — I don't expect him to be a regular starter, but he will be a useful squad player.

Lindstrøm (on loan) — hope this happens quickly, he looks an excellent prospect if Dyche can get him to discover his German form.

I may be going against popular opinion here but, even if Calvert-Lewin does not sign a contract extension, I think we should keep him. Because I believe he would be stretching every sinew to score as many goals as possible to get himself a good deal next season.

So, if he gets us 15+ goals, he could get his dream £130k/week contract, and for us it would almost definitely mean a Top 10 finish, which would be a fantastic progression for the club.

Also, I don't think signing a full-back is a top priority for us. I would really like to see Nathan Patterson get a good run of games, he is a good footballer but things haven't yet clicked for him at Everton so far.

I would be ecstatic to have Kalvin Phillips on loan, I think he is a class footballer, who would be an excellent defensive midfielder, and will do a better job than what Onana did for us last season.

The position that Thelwell should really target is centre-back, in my opinion. We all know that Branthwaite will likely be sold next season, and we need to plan on his replacement right now.

So, I would go with Sam's suggestion for the centre-back position: Jake O'Brien - even if he costs £20-25M.

And I hope that Dele Alli comes good and he can make us play better.

Net Outflow: £40-45M

So, my Everton squad for 2024-25:

Goalkeeper: Pickford, Virginia, Tyrer
Full-back: Coleman, Young, Mykolenko, Patterson
Centre-Back: Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Keane, O'Brien
Centre-Midfield: Garner, Gana, Phillips, Iroegbunam
Left- & Right-Wing: McNeil, Harrison, Lindstrom
Attacking Midfield: Doucoure, Ndiaye, Dele Alli
Centre-Forwards: Calvert-Lewin, Beto, Chermiti

A starting XI (4-2-3-1) of:

Pickford
Mykolenko Branthwaite Tarkowski Patterson
Phillips Gana
McNeil Ndiaye Lindstrom
Calvert-Lewin

Looks very competitive on paper.

Options from the bench: Virginia, Young, Coleman, O'Brien, Keane, Alli, Garner, Doucoure, Iroegbunam, Harrison, Chermiti, Beto.

This squad should see us safe this season. Also, our player sales and reliance on mostly loan incomings and a few low-cost purchases should hopefully ensure that we stay within the PSR rules.

As at the beginning of every season, I am optimistic that we will 'do well' and by that I mean a Top 10 finish and maybe a semi-final appearance in one of the 2 cup competitions.

Sadly Gnonto looks unlikely now (especially with Summerville leaving for West Ham) and there's been no mention of Kadioglu.

I think a solid right-back and a winger with electric pace may have been my priorities at the start of the summer. It may be that in Lindstrøm we have the latter but I was excited at the prospect of Gnonto. And the full-back berths look very weak, especially with Mykolenko still out.

It's been a promising window so far, let's see what Thelwell can manage in the second half of it.

With Everton having now snapped up O'Brien though, even if you discount the aforementioned Welch who has only ever played senior matches for the club in cup competitions, Sean Dyche could in theory name an entire team of players 6ft and above with an average height of 6ft 2½in if he picked Branthwaite at left-back like he did against Fulham in the Carabao Cup last season. This could be done by picking the following side:
• Joao Virginia (6ft 3in)
• Nathan Patterson (6ft 2in)
• Jarrad Branthwaite (6ft 5in)
• Michael Keane (6ft 3in)
• Jake O'Brien (6ft 6in)
• Tim Iroegbunam (6ft)
• James Garner (6ft 1in)
• Jesper Lindstrom (6ft)
• Dwight McNeil (6ft)
• Beto (6ft 4in)
• Youssef Chermiti (6ft 4in)

I'll only be glad to see him go when we have more players able to score.

Hopefully the link below works (2nd attempt):

Link

Basically it shows that Everton were 11th last season in offering minutes to teenage players in the Premier League. As ever you can read all sorts of things (or not) into the stats - but thought it was an interesting article.

West Ham signing Guido Rodriguez, Summerville and Fullkrug these next few days by the sounds of it. That's a very handy trio, they should do well this season. Another team we were above not that long ago but are now playing catch up on.

And Brighton go and sign Ferdi Kadioglu, one of the best players I saw at Euro 2024, who can play all 3 positions, and we're not in the mix at all.