The squad assessment's final piece is here, with Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 having looked into the situation surrounding the goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders, respectively.
There will be plenty of conversation about how to improve the squad in more detail in the coming days, but hopefully, this overview is a means of getting that starter.
Outside of the defenders, the attacking unit may be the most scrutinized section of this Everton squad, and with good reason. While the defense ultimately ended up as one of the more difficult units to score on in the Premier League last season, allowing 50 goals (fewer than only Arsenal, Manchester City, Brighton, Sunderland, and Aston Villa), the attack only scored 47.
That total number was only better than West Ham, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Wolves, with Everton's -3 goal difference landing them 12th in the league. This feels true to where the club actually finished in the table.
But anyone who watched Everton play last season knows they often struggled to both create and finish, as the Toffees finished with just 11.11 shots per 90, a number that was only better than the relegated trio, Brentford, and Sunderland (what a weird year for the Black Cats!).
Some of this may be a David Moyes problem. Expansive attack just isn't in his DNA. But the players need to be considered as well.
Who's Here?
On the wings, Everton currently have a group consisting of Iliman Ndiaye, Tyler Dibling, and Dwight McNeil. Not exactly a murderer's row of options for Moyes on the flanks, especially given questions surrounding Ndiaye's future with the club.
A pair of loanees could be back, with Chelsea's Tyrique George the most likely given that Everton have an option built into the loan, although, true to form, the Toffees are reportedly trying to get him at a lower number.
At center forward, the duo of Beto and Thierno Barry was at times good, but one or both were often a frustration for supporters. While Barry is only just 23 years of age, you have to wonder if his antics around the Arsenal match might have signaled a disinterest in being here long-term.
Beto is heading into the last year of his contract, so there could be movement there, depending on what the market looks like for the 28-year-old and what Everton think they could do to replace him and his goals.
Summer Outlook
Bringing in George on a permanent deal, even at the reported £25 million option price, feels like a no-brainer. He just turned 20, and often showed the kind of pace and directness that isn't a staple of this Everton squad.
There will have to be a decision about Ndiaye, who may have had his head turned by opportunities for European football elsewhere, but even if he stays, Everton no doubt need more end product, both from the Senegal international and those around him.
Jack Grealish certainly appears to want to return, but you wonder about redundancy with Ndiaye, and whether the England international serves as a reason for Moyes to continue to ignore the likes of Tyler Dibling as a contributor.
Selling McNeil feels like an inevitability, which means Everton will need at least two additions here, even if Grealish and George stay, and especially if Ndiaye goes.
The striking pair depends on what the future of each player looks like, as it's possible one or both might want to move on or, in Beto's case, be secured a long-term future. A third striker without Europe is unlikely.
No matter what, the focus needs to be on finding more goals. There's no competing for the top half and Europe without that.
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