Mind the Gap

So - the new season is fast upon us - Everton are still short on experienced cover in some areas on the pitch (particularly a fit proven striker) and yet again the Youth production line seems to be the answer. Are you unduly worried about the lack of depth?

Taking a quick look at the squad this is, to quote the match day announcer, how 'the Mighty Blues' are lining up today

Goal: Howard and Mucha

Defenders; Hibbert, Jagielka (hopefully), Distin, Baines, Yobo (maybe)

Defence or Midfield: Neville, Coleman, Heitinga

Midfield: Fellaini, Osman, Arteta, Bilyaletdinov, Rodwell, Gueye, Barkley

Midfield or Forward: Cahill

Forward: Saha, Beckford, Yakubu, Anichebe, Vellios

That's 23 players (and a few others bubbling under like Duffy, Wallace, Baxter and McAleny - a perfectly adequate number - if only: we could rely on the fitness of: Fellaini, Rodwell, Cahill, Saha and Yakubu - as well as the attitude of Yobo and Anichebe.

So does that represent a problem? I think the vast majority of Evertonians would argue that there's plenty of talent in that squad but it just needs a little bit of fresh blood - maybe just one top player (and a couple of departures to help balance things out financially). With the promise of Barkley, Gueye, Vellios and of course Rodwell there is plenty of youthful strength. I'm not disheartened by the quality in this squad - just note all the interest in Baines, Jags, Rodwell and Fellaini from other clubs and you can see we've got a pretty good side.

What do you think?