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Everton’s struggles are no secret and have been well documented in recent months. After a bright start to the campaign under Marco Silva, the Toffees have just five wins from their last 15 Premier League games.
There are also some issues emerging in terms of first-team personnel, with first-choice right-back Seamus Coleman performing well out-of-sorts this season, whilst Bernard and Theo Walcott have failed to inspire out on the wings.
Examining the main problem areas
Clearly, the only issues in the team are found in the wide areas. Coleman has been dropped on numerous occasions this season for the less-experienced Jonjoe Kenny, as a result of his below-par performances that have had fans suggesting that he is beginning to decline.
In the wide attacking areas, Theo Walcott has been distinctly average this season, and it could be argued that he has already exited his prime years as a footballer – the 29-year-old has just three goals and two assists in 28 league appearances this season.
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On the opposite flank, Bernard has impressed in spells and is always a tricky customer to deal with, but his end product is fairly poor and he could easily be considered expendable in this Everton team – the Brazilian has a mere three assists to show for his efforts in the league.
What can Silva do about it?
Well, the Toffees are fairly strong through the core, and have a number of players who perform well through the middle of the field, so a 3-5-2 formation could suit the players quite well.
Everton are well stocked in the centre-back department, with Michael Keane, Kurt Zouma and Yerry Mina all competing for the two centre-half positions, so playing all of them together would keep them happy and allow Lucas Digne – who enjoys getting forward – less defensive responsibility out in a left wing-back role.
Idrissa Gueye and Andre Gomes can be part of a two-man defensive midfield, with Gylfi Sigurdsson sat ahead of them in an attacking midfield role – Dominic Calvert-Lewin can be deployed on the right of midfield where his pace would stretch defences and allow the Icelandic international more space.
Up top, Richarlison should be partnered with Ademola Lookman, who hasn’t seen near enough game time this season – he has been afforded just six starts in all competitions.
If Everton utilise the personnel in their squad correctly for the last nine games, they could have an enjoyable end to the season.
