Squad size.

[blueblue]

Last night we saw how strong the Everton team was and the bench as well.Just about anybody could have been brought on without unduly weakening the side.
The down side is that the team and bench from last night is the entire squad,just about.
Mirallas will be added and probably Shane Duffy,but a couple of injuries could leave us very light in certain areas and there is more than a suggestion that Barkley and Gueye could be going out on loan.

I do think that we may see two or even three more players arrive before the end of the window.

 

[Roztitute]

No doubt our squad is thin. But I think we will sign another player before the end of the window with some more of the Rodwell money. It was good to see that last night we had a strong team and also have other good options: Coleman, Naismith, Anichebe (if you rate him), Mirrallas to come. Good stuff.

 

[Foot Long Hot Dog]

We need 2 or 3 more before the window shuts.

 

[Silentwitness]

Squad size is still a bit thin but you only have to look at our bench last night to show that with everyone fit we have a strong team.

Mucha - Solid back-up.
Heitinga - Our Player of the season.
Coleman - Showed that when he came on he can turn people inside out and if he kicks on can be a great wingback i think.
Barkley - One of the best young english prospects around.
Naismith - Looked great in pre season and i think he will start this weekend.
Gueye - Showed promise at times last season and showed why he's still on the bench, give him a few CC games and let him kick on.
Anichebe - Super Sub, will be replaced by Mirallas.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

The sad thing is that physically Anichebe isn't that different to Fellaini. Fellaini has 1.5 inches on Anichebe, but Vic is a few kg heavier.

Maybe MoFro can give him some tips on how he can actually use his physique to boss defenders around.

Re the squad depth, it isn't great. We have 17 experienced pros, then the likes of Guaye, Barkley, Duffy, Junior and Velios.

Hopefully the kids can push on this season and become valued members of the squad, but we do need one or two more experienced pros as well.

 

[MACCA75]

Both Moyes and Neville said we need one or two more last night so I would expect Niang or one or two loans. Hard to say exactly where are short as we have quite a lot of versatile players. A left back who can play in midfield as well possibly.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I'd like to add an experienced midfielder or two to the mix, and then hope to goodness that Jelavic doesn't get injured.

 

[MACCA75]

I guess an experienced target man type who is happy on the bench might be useful for a season. Like Straq but a bit better.

 

[RFUS]

One thing people don't take into account when they assess the size of our squad in terms of numbers, is versatility.

The goalkeepers and maybe Jelavic aside, pretty much everyone can play in at least 2 positions to a reasonable standard.

I still think we could do with a proper attacking RB and an Arteta-type deep lying playmaker, but they're not massive necessities.

 

[Allezfan]

One thing people don't take into account when they assess the size of our squad in terms of numbers, is versatility.

The goalkeepers and maybe Jelavic aside, pretty much everyone can play in at least 2 positions to a reasonable standard.

I still think we could do with a proper attacking RB and an Arteta-type deep lying playmaker, but they're not massive necessities.

Somebody posted on here how few players City and Newcatsle used last year compared to the relegated sides who used loads and I thought that was spot on. It's quality and versatility that matters more than numbers.

 

[Number_25]

I think Moyes pointed out how lightweight the squad is, I can see a few new faces join come September.

 

[davek]

Loaning Barkley out would be stupid beyond belief. Still, ginger pubes knows best....

 

[pfim]

Need a striker behind Jelavic. Could probably use a central midfielder. Could be a young player or an older one on a free. Think we have some versatility there, but an injury would test our numbers.

 

[RFUS]

Loaning Barkley out would be stupid beyond belief. Still, ginger pubes knows best....

This is a good point though.

Whilst I don't think we lack depth as much as some, we definitely aren't in a position to be loaning out players like Barkley yet. We'd need to bring someone in for sure.

Hopefully not Adam though.

 

[davek]

Need a striker behind Jelavic. Could probably use a central midfielder. Could be a young player or an older one on a free. Think we have some versatility there, but an injury would test our numbers.

People slag off Victor and want him gone, but who on a free are we going to get in better than him to deputise in an emergency? I'm a big believer in you dont know what you have until you lose it. He's got a bagful of experinece and can be a handful when he wants. Jelavic + Mirallas + Victor + Velios on a quick call back is adequate for the new season, even Fellaini can be drafted in for a spell. And we can sling the likes of McAleny on for 45 minutes of experience in cup games in the early rounds at home if the situation allows. We need a cover for LB and a shit off the shovel pacy RM. And what we certainly dont need is more CMs when we have them falling over each other as it is.