Transfer window priorities for Everton

Finally we move onto the Toffees’ forwards. The addition of Rodriguez in combination with Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin makes for a formidable first-choice attack in the Toffees’ 4-3-3 formation.

But if one or other of those players is absent, as both South Americans have been for long periods this season, then have Everton got the reserves to take their place and deliver similar quality performances. The answer from most fans would be no.

There have been a huge amount of speculation about new forwards joining with stories about Wilfried Zaha in particular simply refusing to go away.

Recently though Alex Iwobi has played very well on the right of the forwards and while he doesn’t have the flair and skill of the Colombian, if he can keep performing as well as he has been, then he offers a viable alternative.

Iwobi is a very different player to Rodriguez and his qualities (which have largely been hidden from view for most of the time he’s been an Everton player) are decent pace and his ability running with the ball. He’s even improved the quality of his crosses and passing and has shown a willingness to defend too.

With Iwobi’s transformation in form, it’s actually now the left hand side of this three-man attack that I reckon is the most pressing for reinforcement.

When Richarlison was out suspended for three matches, it hugely inhibited the effectiveness of the attack, even more so than Rodriguez’s absence in my view. And his defensive spadework was also missed.

Given that Richarlison does have a history of getting himself sent off, it’s possible he will do so again or get injured and miss chunks of the season, which could prove critical.

More pace is also always useful and I think if Everton can get another wide attacking player who has the ability to fill in for the Brazilian and also offer another possibility on the right too, then that’s worth considering.

Last but not least is whether the Toffees’ can get a back-up centre-forward in to give Calvert-Lewin a rest or come in if he gets hurt.

With Tosun not up to the job and possibly leaving anyway and young Ellis Simms still perhaps some way off the first team, it would be a major problem if Calvert-Lewin was out for any length of time, especially as his game is fundamental to how this team operates.

Again there’s been lot’s of speculation about Everton signing a striker. Although its a big ask if they were able to bring in someone, preferably on loan or a free transfer, who can offer something similar to the Englishman then it would make sense.

This is actually quite a shopping list for the January sales. But if Ancelotti sees individuals who can further upgrade this team and help it kick on in 2021 then the club must again back him as the outcome of the Blues’ season may depend on it.