Are these the 5 positions Everton must improve to challenge next season?

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4. Left Wing

Everton have a huge number of options in the centre of midfield, and a great blend of experience and potential. If anything, the Blues might have to offload some of the deadwood such as Gibson and Osman. Where Everton do lack depth is left wing and behind the striker: Everton have options on the right in Lennon and Deulofeu, but with McGeady out on loan and not up to standard, and Mirallas seemingly unhappy at Everton (due to his limited game time and series of silly red cards), they are light. Cleverley, Koné and more recently Niasse has filled in, in this position but none of them are natural left wingers.

I believe that Everton need a marquee signing up front to excite the fans, and ensure they keep hold of their star players (Stones, Barkley, Lukaku, et al.). The name on the lips of most Everton fans is that of Yarmolenko. The Ukranian is an exciting talent that would light up the Toffees attack, and hopefully add further offensive impetus linking up with the big Belgian, Lukaku. Larger Premier League teams such as Arsenal are also reportedly chasing Yarmolenko, but Everton should now at least have the money to compete.

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5. Striker

Lukaku is an outstanding striker, having scored the most Premier League goals in a season for Everton (and a contender for golden boot). Hopefully Everton can persuade the Belgian to lead the line for many seasons to come. What the Blues do lack is capable back-up for the position. Players such as Eto’o have come and gone, leaving Kone and Niasse behind. Kone is most certainly not Everton standard, and the jury still remains out on new purchase Niasse.

Everton require a striker who would be capable of providing understudy to Lukaku. They need a back-up striker that could score 10-15 goals a season, who could lead the line if Lukaku faced injury or could come off the bench to change the game. Kone and Niasse do not currently seem those players. Austin’s transfer seemed a steal at £4 million to Southampton and might have proved a fit at Everton.

As an unashamed Everton fan, this season has not been up to standard. Everton fans and players need to remember our motto, “Nil Satis Nisi Optimum”- Only the best is good enough. Everton must strengthen the positions above to be in a position to challenge for a minimum of Europe next season. This needs to be a busy summer on Merseyside.

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