Everton have endured a tough start to the new Premier League season, but their performances have not quite merited the results that they have been dealt.
After all, shipping ten goals across just three games is hardly a fair indication of their efforts, especially after they performed admirably against Brighton and Hove Albion at first, deserving something from the game until the sending-off, and dominating AFC Bournemouth until that nine-minute implosion.
It is the manner of their latest defeat that has bred such newfound negativity around Goodison Park, despite many attesting to it arguably being their best performance under Sean Dyche‘s leadership.
Fortunately, the international break comes at the perfect time for once, allowing this crop of players to go off and regather their thoughts.
Not only that, but it also extends the time they have to rush key players back to full fitness.
Everton have secret weapon just waiting to be unleashed
It’s quite remarkable just how many injuries the Toffees have already suffered this campaign despite being just four games in.
Jarrad Branthwaite marks the outstanding absentee that they just cannot seem to replace, but other areas have been left bare by niggling ailments too.
Seamus Coleman is one such player who has continued his torrid run of injuries, whilst James Garner is only just returning to action now.
And yet, it is arguably none of these who will prove to be the secret weapon that Dyche needs to solve their goalscoring issues.
That pleasure falls upon Armando Broja, who could provide that finishing touch which they have lacked for nearly two years now.
When will Armando Broja be back from injury and available for Everton?
The big problem with Broja is that Everton had to take something of a risk to secure his services.
Financially, the deal makes perfect sense, with no loan fee to be paid whilst Chelsea front his wages until he is back from injury.
However, this will shorten his spell at Goodison Park and leave him less time to make that crucial impression needed to potentially tempt Thelwell to enact the £30m buy-option they have.
A super-fast, physical forward who can come short to link play and also run the channels, he is more than capable of creating something out of nothing with his quick feet and clean finishing.
Just 22 years old, the future is still so bright for the Albania international, who has experience far beyond his years. And, during the one campaign where he was a regular in the Premier League, on loan at Southampton, his admirable 13% goal conversion is very close to what Dominic Calvert-Lewin was averaging during his best two years around when Carlo Ancelotti was appointed.
Described as ‘rapid’ by journalist Alfie House, he could come into Everton’s first team and inject some much-needed fresh attacking impetus.
After all, last season they underperformed their expected goals of 60.75 by just over 20, the worst difference in the entire division.
However, they will have to wait until mid-October for his return, with his availability therefore more likely to be closer to November.
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