Before Everton’s opening game against Leeds United, Gary Neville made something clear prior to the defeat.
It was a disappointing start for the Toffees in what is expected to be a season of change under David Moyes.
Moyes explained how Everton were ‘up against it’ this summer, and after zero xG amounted in the first half, that became obvious.
Although the performance wasn’t sparkling, James Tarkowski found the penalty decision ‘bizarre’ as the Toffees’ spirited second-half showing might have deserved a draw.
But what Neville said pre-match proves exactly how many more players Everton need.
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Gary Neville says Everton need up to four more players this window
After the signings of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, there is certainly a platform for the Blues to build on.
But speaking before the game on Monday Night Football, Neville gave a stern demand to The Friedkin Group.
“He (Moyes) needs three or four more players,” Neville said.
“He absolutely does. The new stadium, the size of the club, the underperformance. They need to back him.
“They need to go now and get those 2/3/4 players that will mean the squad starts to look stronger.”
It’s hard to disagree with the former Man United defender, as the overall game at Elland Road doesn’t reflect well on the owners’ business.
Moyes wants players with ‘character’ and these four positions must be sorted before the market closes.
Everton still needs another central midfielder along with three other positions
Looking at the encounter, the first 45 minutes showed pure dominance from a Leeds point of view, and the Toffees need to rectify this quickly.
Although Dewsbury-Hall covered the most distance in the game, it was the players around him who made it difficult to get into the game.
The displays from the likes of Beto and Tim Iroegbunam show a need for additions, with other areas also clear before the September 1 deadline.
| Right back |
| Central midfielder |
| Right winger |
| Striker |
Although Thierno Barry has come in to be the Toffees’ number nine, the Frenchman is still a raw talent, and the Leeds performance alone proves that Everton can’t rely on Beto after just 22 touches, which was the least of any outfield player.
Iroegbunam looked wide of the mark showing the need for help in the middle of the park, and Moyes’ rejigged back four proves a right-back is needed.
Moyes made right winger a ‘top priority’, which says it all, and there is still plenty of work to be done from The Friedkins.
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