The DoF model doesn’t work at all imo
It hasn’t worked at Everton, certainly.
But the problem isn’t with the concept, it’s with the execution.
Either we’ve recruited the wrong DoFs, or they’ve been inhibited from doing their jobs – or both.
Putting the manager in charge of all transfers only works if they are capable of it, and only if they are given the chance to build and manage their team over more seasons than most are given in the modern game.
I’d argue that managers no longer have the time or space to build a squad to play their way. Instead, it’s incumbent on clubs to separately curate their squads and find managers to fit the club’s identified playing style.
For that, the DoF system needs to be made to work - and that’s exactly what we’ve failed to do.