The Liverpool Echo’s Connor O’Neill has recently made a claim regarding Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti and his options at centre-back.
Currently, the Toffees have four options at centre-back who have a squad number, including 18-year-old prospect Jarrad Branthwaite (per Transfermarkt).
During the recent 5-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion, Ancelotti opted for Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as his two centre-backs; with the former picking up a 6/10 rating and the latter an 8/10 (per Liverpool Echo).
Last season, the two defenders were Everton’s joint-fifth-best performers in the Premier League as they both picked up 6.83/10 average ratings (per WhoScored).
However, in the latest episode of Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast, O’Neill aired his belief that the Toffees’ Italian manager may have been convinced that he needs defensive reinforcements.
When asked if Saturday’s performance highlighted Everton’s need to sign a centre-back, he said: “Yeah, I think it did.
“I think it maybe would’ve pushed Carlo into asking Marcel Brands and Farhad [Moshiri] and the board about the possibility of bringing someone else in.
“It was a little bit ropey at times and it certainly wasn’t what you’d want ideally from your centre-half in terms of what Yerry Mina produced throughout.
“I think as well, the big issue, I think what Carlo wants, is he’ll want competition.
“He’ll want someone there who he knows he can bring in if either Michael Keane or Yerry Mina drop below the required standard.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he evidently believes that Saturday’s performance may have pushed Ancelotti to enquire over whether the club can bring in a new centre-back.
Do Everton need to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes?
No, it's not necessary
Yes, I think we do
Keane has earned a 7.28/10 average rating over the first two games of this season and Mina was able to pick a 7.19/10 match rating in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
So, that shows that they are capable of performing to a high standard.
However, with Mason Holgate set to spend an extended period on the sidelines through injury, perhaps bringing in defensive cover would be a shrewd move.