After the disaster endured on Saturday, where they were crushed 3-0 in their opening Premier League match, Everton’s deficiencies were laid bare.
Most were already well-known but blissfully ignored by the decision-makers within the club, likely praying that it would not be this soon into the campaign that they were exposed.
However, exposed they were, with the outstanding issue unsurprisingly coming at right-back.
It’s been a problem position for the Toffees for many years now, yet no work has been done to source a long-term solution.
This might not be it, but their interest in a few new targets provides hope that the Toffees are at least looking into it now.
Everton need to sign Eric Ebimbe
That notion is especially emphasised by Everton’s efforts to sign Eric Ebimbe from Frankfurt following a fine first permanent campaign at the German club.
Having first impressed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, the 23-year-old earned himself a £6m move to the Bundesliga, where he has only gone from strength to strength.
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A strong yet technical midfielder, one of the key assets of the Frenchman is his versatility, particularly the ability to move into right-back.
In fact, when compared to other right-backs across Europe, Ebimbe ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and total shots per 90, the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90, and the top 5% for aerials won per 90, via FBref.
His physical prowess is further emphasised by Dijon sporting coordinator Peguy Luyindula, who once claimed: ‘He’s powerful, versatile and knows what he wants.’
Everton are now showing interest in Kieran Trippier
It’s actually quite ironic that, after all the turmoil surrounding their right-back position, it seems the Toffees are now inundated with targets to hopefully fill that position.
After all, whilst Ebimbe would likely do a job there, having deputised at times in the full-back role, a proper solution is needed to ease the pressure on Coleman and to finally usurp Ashley Young from the first-team.
Therefore, Everton’s interest in Kieran Trippier makes perfect sense, even if he is still hardly brimming with energy at 33.
There has been a notable decline in the Magpies’ main man, and being dropped from the starting squad for his side’s Premier League opener last weekend spoke volumes for his place within Eddie Howe’s squad.
But, Sean Dyche undoubtedly loves the full-back, and has made that clear many times before.
This might not be a deal done quickly, and thus Ebimbe remains a player they should still try and get in as soon as possible.
Trippier, though, is realistically the best option they could hope to get to truly fulfil that position though, allowing the former PSG man to star in his favoured role.