It was quite typically Everton that, on a day when they opened up the new Premier League campaign with a crushing defeat, one of their summer sales shone elsewhere.
Facing Brighton and Hove Albion at home, there was cautious optimism that Sean Dyche’s side might be able to catch the Seagulls off guard, given all the new signings they have made and the new manager they had in charge.
However, it was instead the Toffees who looked out of sorts after a solid opening 45 minutes, with the game quickly stolen away from them. Tim Iroegbunam stood out despite the heavy loss, but it was clear that something was missing from their midfield.
Evertonians were swiftly reminded exactly what they were missing just four minutes into the 5:30 pm kick-off that very Saturday, when Amadou Onana headed Aston Villa into an early lead.
Amadou Onana shines as Everton lose heavily
The Belgian’s exit this summer was always bound to be a hammer blow for Everton, given the immense physical and technical quality everyone knew he boasted.
A truly unique specimen, many lambasted the manager for his use of the 23-year-old, with Onana even criticising Dyche’s play style and how it hampered his best assets.
Well, in what was a stellar performance, he dominated against a Hammers side that many are still tipping for a big campaign.
Meanwhile, Everton fell to a 3-0 home defeat, and will start the league campaign at the foot of the table.
What was most frustrating about the loss to Brighton was not the scoreline, but the fact that, as the game went on, the midfield became more and more exposed.
Both Iroegbunam and Idrissa Gueye are all-action enforcers, who are equally as keen to run all about the pitch.
One is a useful asset to screen the back four, but two leaves no set protection to constantly be there should there be a loose turnover in the midfield.
In the past, Onana would have been there, so Dyche and Kevin Thelwell now need to find someone else to do that job before the summer window slams shut.
Everton might have to take Arthur Melo risk
Unfortunately, given the lack of options on the market, Everton’s interest in Arthur Melo might leave them with the Brazilian as the only option really left for them to explore.
Although, given the fine campaign he recently enjoyed on loan with Fiorentina, perhaps it might be worth breaking the bank to front his wages for a season or longer. It is a risky move to trust in someone of his age profile when it has hurt the club so often in the past, but at this juncture, it is a risk they must be willing to make.
Especially given the profile he has, as someone willing to just sit and stay ahead of the back four without diverting too much from his position.
Whilst not nearly as physical as Onana, he still would occupy similar areas, and is not afraid to get stuck in when he is not creating.
Last season in the Serie A, the 28-year-old retained an impressive 92% pass accuracy whilst recording five goal contributions, as well as maintaining one key pass and 4.3 ball recoveries per game.
For comparison, in the Premier League last term, Onana only recorded an 85% pass accuracy and upheld 0.6 key passes and 5.3 ball recoveries per game.
Whether it be permanently or on loan, Arthur would surely bolster Dyche’s midfield, and might be sorely needed after the Brighton disappointment.
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