Everton: 3 positions Frank Lampard will look to strengthen in the summer transfer window

Michael Keane and Mason Holgate were Everton’s most used centre backs

1. Centre back

Everton’s central defence was a subject of constant chop and change, a central defence combination rarely remained same in the next game. Everton have five centre backs in the roster – Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Mina has had yet another terrible season in terms of fitness. No doubt that when he was in the lineup, Everton looked much more secure and solid at the back but the problem is that the Colombian missed more than 50% of the games this season. He just played 13 Premier League games so having Mina on a £120,000 per week seems to be a luxury product.

Keane made 32 appearances but was inconsistent with his performances. Godfrey was also hit by injury and found difficulties to attain match fitness after being hit by COVID. Holgate improved massively in the second half of the campaign but his first half remained poor, filled with errors. Branthwaite made a total of 11 appearances this season is still a work in progress.

Everton need a resilient and a commanding centre back. If there’s a need to offload one of the current central defenders, the Toffees shouldn’t hesitate in doing so. Godfrey and Branthwaite should not be for sale but Mina, Keane or Holgate should be free to depart.

The Merseysiders have been linked to James Tarkowski. The Burnley defender would arrive on a free transfer. Kim Min-jae is another name that has been linked. As the summer transfer window progresses, Everton might ultimately launch offers.

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