Everton Papering Over the Cracks

Article by e-Everton Correspondent Kenneth Jarvis

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For a long time Everton have made full use the loan system. The lack of investment team and subsequent lack of squad depth has always meant there was a need to bring in additional players without delving into the precious transfer pot. Under David Moyes, it was often used as a tool to bolster the squad as a result of/or in case of injuries. The likes of Philippe Senderos, Segundo Casillo, Denis Stracqualursi and Royston Drenthe were used sparingly and were never relied on. The most important use of the loan system under Moyes was to effectively trial players with a view to buying them further down the line. This was done to great sucess with Steven Pienaar, Mikel Arteta and Tim Howard who Everton never had to worry about reling on them as there was always an option to buy. The likes Landon Donovan, Manuel Fernandes and Jo were only bought in on short term deals and regardless of how sucessful their first loan spells were (or awful in reference to Jo's second spell) they were only ever seen as a short-term boost to the team.

Under Martinez however Everton's loan players have become pivotal this season, which is working well for now, but highlights a long-term problem for the Spaniard. Everton haven't had a consistent striker arguably since Tony Cottee left the club in 1994. In fact, no Everton player has scored over 20 league goals since Gary Lineker in the 1985/86 season. If Romelu Lukaku scores at his current rate this season (1 in 2) he would actually become the highest goal scorer in a league season since Lineker with 17 goals. That is 28 years without a player getting more than 16 goals and in only 8 out of the last 15 years has a player got into double figures. Finding a striker will be central to Martinez' summer plans and could have a huge impact on the following season if he fails. Lukaku is currently the only fit recognised striker at Everton with the sales of Anichebe and Jelavic which has left Everton in a vulnerable position if he was to get injured. Another loan in the form on Lacina Traore will give security to the club with more tactical options this is much needed but it is a position in need to serious investment in the summer.

Gareth Barry has also been an important member of the team this year, long term injury to Darron Gibson and the sale of Marouane Fellaini has meant Everton needed a defensive midfielder and Barry fit the role perfectly. The situation with Barry however is a lot more long-term than Lukaku as his contract expires in the summer and, wage-cut willing, will be a permanent member for next season. Everton have kept a lot of clean sheets this season which is in no small part to Barry (and McCarthy) being able to cover positions, make important tackles/interceptions and maintain possession. Man City fans rate Barry very highly and it's clear to see why. Every team needs that type of player who quietly goes about his business and works for the team and in Gibson's absence, he has been superb.

It takes a special player to get you on the edge of your seat in wide-eyed anticipation every time they receive the ball. Everton have two of these players. One they own (Barkley) and the other is Barcelona's Gerard Deulofeu. Electric, magical, phenomenal are the type of words that can be used for Deulofeu's talent, but he is a rough diamond and can be frustrating in equal measure. His influence and impact on the season was growing more and more until his injury, especially given the poor form at the time of Pienaar and Mirallas. Without him Everton were exposed to only having two players that could play in the wide positions, thankfully Mirallas and Pienaar improved their form but Pienaar's recent injury exposed Everton's lack of depth as Bryan Ovideo, a natural left-back, had to play on the wing as Everton failed to beat West Brom. The signing of Aiden McGeady has now strengthened this area, especially with Oviedo's double leg break, but Deulofeu's return will be much welcomed by the Everton fans who hope to be able to re-new his loan for next season.

Since Roberto Martinez came to the club, Everton have received a transfer profit in the region of 20m pounds. The summer transfer window will be crucial for the club as they try and get in players who will improve the team on a permanent basis to be able to build for the future.

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