It’s been an inconsistent start to the season for Everton and some of their fans here in the Tavern are still struggling to discover why…
It has really been a mixed season so far, and whilst the Toffees looked very good early on in the season – they have really come off the rails in recent weeks.
Certain regulars aren’t looking as strong as they have been in the past and it’s clear that Ronald Koeman needs to bring in some reinforcements in January if his side are going to push for European places come May.
In particular, the Everton defence is looking poor – with Koeman’s side leaking goals on a weekly basis.
So after a frank discussion with some of the biggest Everton supporters here in the pub, we’ve compiled a list of 4 individuals we think will bolster the Toffees defence should they join the club in January…
Michael Keane
He’s the former Manchester United graduate the Reds probably wished they’d kept hold of but there’s little doubting the strides young defender Michael Keane has made over the past few years.
The Burnley man has quickly established himself as one of the up-and-coming defenders in the whole of the Premier League and he’s certainly a man Everton should take a punt on in January.
Neither Phil Jagielka or Funes Mori have been excellent so far this season and Keane would add real quality to their defensive line.
Jordan Amavi
After the success we’ve seen Idrissa Gueye have during his short stint at Everton, we think the Toffees should be re-raiding the Villains for left-back Jordan Amavi.
The French defender is better than the Championship and he’d certainly give a more competitive edge to this Everton back-line, who have been prone to some real lapses at times this campaign.
Toffees fans in the Tavern seem to think he’d be a handy addition to a side that have shown just too much mixed form so far this campaign.
Ashley Young
Whilst he’s not strictly a defender, we’ve seen Ashley Young play as more of a left-back in recent years than as a winger, his position from back in his early Villa days.
The former England international is really struggling for game time at United and a move to Everton would certainly guarantee him more minutes on the pitch.
In turn, Everton would be signing a player with vast Champions League and Premier League winning experience and a man that would add some lightning speed to the left or right-hand side.
Ben Gibson
Another Englishman that is making waves in the Premier League is Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson.
He’s been consistently good for the Teesiders for a long time now and our punters have touted him with a big money move.
Everton could do far worse than making a move for the 23-year-old, who has a handful of appearances under his belt for the England U21 side too.
