Three solutions for David Moyes as Everton crisis intensifies vs Bournemouth
Everton may have headed into crisis territory after the 1-0 win against Bournemouth.
David Moyes left Michael Keane out of Everton’s starting line-up for the Vitality Stadium clash on 2 December.
It was later revealed by the Scotsman that the veteran defender was injured ahead of the contest, which leaves the Blues with James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien as their only centre-back options.
Here, Goodison News looks at three potential solutions for the Toffees to try and ease their injury issues at the back.
Promote William Tamen into the first-team fold
William Tamen is one of the brightest prospects at Everton, having starred for Paul Tait’s Under-21 side at Finch Farm.
He has started all nine of the Blues’ Premier League 2 clashes this season, earning rave reviews from those associated with the academy.
The 19-year-old could be drafted into the senior ranks to help with depth, given the issues that the Toffees have at the moment, as he has trained with the first-team already.
Drop Idrissa Gueye into centre-back
Idrissa Gueye would be an unorthodox solution for Everton, but given that his primary role is defensive midfield, it may make sense.
There may be concerns over his height, given that he is 5’9, but he has won 62 per cent of his aerial duels this season, according to Sofascore.
He excels when it comes to interceptions and ground duels, and would provide much more experience to the backline than Tamen could.
The only issue is that he is still suspended for the next match against Nottingham Forest, after serving the first two matches of his ban against Newcastle and the Cherries.
Give Reece Welch his senior Everton debut
Reece Welch is another promising centre-back in the Everton academy ranks.
The 22-year-old has more senior experience than Tamen, having spent the first half of the 2023-24 season on loan at League Two side, Forest Green Rovers.
Welch was named on the bench for the defeat to Newcastle and the win over Andoni Iraola’s side, but is yet to make his senior debut for the Toffees.
That may have to change in the coming weeks, if Keane is not ready to return to action, and Moyes decides that he needs another option.
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