OPINION
Everton transfer window may have looked positive at first glance after welcoming some big names, but there was also some crucial players that were shown the exit door.
Romelu Lukaku was the obvious major departure as he joined Manchester United for £75million, but they are also missing a key midfielder from their side.
Gareth Barry’s switch to West Brom in the summer has had a major negative impact on the Toffees side and that has coincided with their poor form.
The Merseyside club have made a dreadful start to the new Premier League season as they sit 16th-placed after seven games and are also bottom of their Europa League group.
Ronald Koeman’s team are being overrun in the middle of the park, despite the presences of defensive midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Barry is such a vital loss for several reasons to Everton and Koeman’s decision to axe him is turning out to be a huge blunder.
The 36-year-old is the ultimate professional and is proving he can still do a brilliant job in the Premier League despite his age at the Hawthorns.
The central midfielder is superb at protecting his defence as he breaks up play and is also very intelligent in possession.
Barry is exactly what Everton are missing right now to help steady the ship and they could do with his physical presence in the centre.
The 53-time capped England international also has great experience under his belt and his leadership qualities would have helped the Toffees drag themselves out of this situation.
He managed 34 appearances last season for Everton and there is doubt he could have been a very useful player this season, with is unselfish work often allowing the more creative players to flourish.