Everton are risking defensive crisis for David Moyes after Nathan Ake decision
David Moyes is hoping to further bolster his squad in the remaining days of the summer transfer window.
Everton have signed Jack Grealish among seven new signings, but large gaps in the Scot’s squad are still outstanding.
The defence is one area where the Toffees are short, with the problem only intensified following news that Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered an injury setback.
Vitalii Mykolenko is also injured and could be set to miss Everton’s first Premier League game at The Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, 24 August.
Everton make Nathan Ake decision despite defensive absences
When Everton kicked off their Premier League season against Leeds United on Monday 18 August, just four senior defenders were available to Moyes.
Michael Keane and James Tarkowski were selected in the centre of defence, with Jake O’Brien filling in at right-back.
Captain Seamus Coleman was on the bench, and was joined by youth centre-back Tyler Onyango, who spent last season on loan at League One side Reading.
| Everton’s defenders | Availability |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | Injured |
| Jake O’Brien | Available |
| James Tarkowski | Available |
| Michael Keane | Available |
| Vitalii Mykolenko | Injured |
| Adam Aznou | Injured |
| Nathan Patterson | Injured (returning) |
| Seamus Coleman | Available |
At left-back, midfielder James Garner started amid injuries to both Mykolenko and new signing Adam Aznou, who was missing because of an ankle issue.
Lots of focus has been paid to Everton’s midfield and attack this summer, but their defence is crying out for help.
Nathan Ake had looked to emerge as a potential target, but the Liverpool Echo reported on 21 August that such reports have been played down, with a centre-back not considered among Everton’s priorities going into the final week of the window.
The question that will be on the lips of many fans: Why?
Everton are risking a defensive crisis
Everton’s defensive situation is already perilous, and another injury could see it become a full-scale crisis.
Should Mykolenko and Branthwaite’s injuries keep them out for longer than expected, Moyes will soon be relying on just six defenders, two of whom – Nathan Patterson and Coleman – missed huge chunks of last season.
Everton’s right-back woes:
- Seamus Coleman made just five Premier League appearances last season.
- Nathan Patterson made 10 and failed to stake a claim for his role when available.
And their other options are not immune to injuries, either.
Both Keane and Tarkowski missed periods of last season, and the former made just 14 Premier League appearances, although spent much of his time on the bench.
The situation should be clear for decision-makers at The Hill Dickinson Stadium – sign a defender, or risk hanging Moyes out to dry.
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