Everton could have avoided right-back debate with 2016 target Nelson Semedo

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Everton’s poor form of late under Marco Silva has led to questions being asked all over the pitch, but one area facing particular criticism is at right-back where Seamus Coleman has been below par with few credible alternatives.

However, this situation could easily have been avoided had Everton pursued their 2016 interest in then Benfica defender Nelson Semedo, as TransferMarketWeb reported at the time.

Since then, the Portugal international has gone on to depart for La Liga leaders Barcelona and was one of those busy on Wednesday evening caught up with a starting role in a Clasico.

Whilst some doubted him initially after making the move to the Spanish champions, he has come of age this season under Ernesto Valverde and proved his worth.

Such a signing in 2016 would clearly have added depth to Everton’s shallow squad and may now be providing Coleman with the kind of competition required to drive him on to produce higher quality performances and help drive his team up the table.

Everton may be developing a reputation for a team of Barcelona rejects, but in this case it could have been entirely different had the club acted sooner and more decisively on their interest.