Iroegbunam shines again as Everton salvage draw with Roma

In what was the last pre-season match Everton will play at Goodison Park, the Toffees came from behind to ensure they were not beaten in the final such occasion at the Grand Old Lady.

While there were several positive performances against the Serie A side - such as Jack Harrison and Iliman Ndiaye when he came on - perhaps the most important and significant was that of Iroegbunam, who again was outstanding in the engine room.

Iroegbunam's arrival from Aston Villa earlier this summer was unexpected and probably did not generate much initial excitement amongst Blues supporters with the focus of attention being on trying to find forward signings.

There was a feeling that the 20-year-old was likely to be a squad player to start with, who could come off the bench and begin to make more of an impact as the campaign went on.

However, the ex-Aston Villa youngster has been not just the the most consistently impressive of the new signings, but I would argue the best Everton player overall during pre-season.

His energy, tidyness on the ball, forward running and willingness to track back and support his team-mates defensively, has been very good to see.

Iroegbunam has performed the role of a complete modern midfielder and after another excellent evening's work against Roma, must surely be pushing hard for a place in Sean Dyche's starting eleven for the Premier League opener against Brighton next weekend. I would certainly pick him.

Despite his arrival, there has been continuing speculation that the Blues will still try and bring in another central midfielder to supplement their existing options, especially after Amadou Onana left and joined Iroegbunam's former club.

Apart from Iroegbunam and another young midfielder James Garner, Everton have veterans Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulye Doucoure to choose from together with academy product Harrison Armstrong.

Both Gueye and Doucoure though are well over 30 and so having another younger body in the middle might make sense.

Kalvin Phillips is the individual most often mentioned in transfer dispatches as the player likely to be that further addition.

But, if Iroegbunam keeps on playing at this level, could Dyche - if he does go back into the market - be tempted to spend what further transfer resources he has on strengthening other areas of the team?

I have said before that although the Toffees have added Iliman Ndaiye and Jesper Lindstrom to their attack as well as bringing Jack Harrison back on loan, signing another forward would ideally be worth considering and may be essential if Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaves.

There could also be a need for bringing in a central defender with this being such a crucial position and particularly if the Blues do also eventually sell Jarrad Branthwaite.

Despite all the problems and financial constraints surrounding the club, Dyche and Kevin Thelwell have done a good job adding quality and youth to Everton's small and previously ageing squad.

Of all the summer signings so far though, Iroegbunam - although the least heralded - might just turn out to be the most immediately impactful of them all.