Silva’s Squad is Ready… Now What?

Better late than never. Four words that perfectly sum up Everton’s summer transfer window.

It may have taken a while, but we signed a player in every position we needed.

Centre-back? Check. Ball-playing central midfielder? Check. Winger? Check check. Left-back? Check!

Everton Learning

Everton splashed the cash frivolously last summer, meaning the Blues ended up with three number 10s, just one senior left-back and nothing close to a replacement for our departed top goalscorer of four consecutive seasons. It was a woefully imbalanced squad.

It meant the new men in charge, Messrs Brands and Silva were first left with a clear-up operation.

And although they warned that a big clear out was needed before any acquisitions, they seem to have met their first challenge of re-balancing the squad – aided by a board that has backed the men in charge again, with an initial net spend of over £60 million.

So, the first challenge Brands and Silva have faced they’ve tackled head on and come out with the right result. Nine (and counting) pieces of deadwood have moved on, with five or six important players brought in.

On Saturday though, it will be just Marco Silva facing the limelight, as the Blues take on Wolverhampton Wanderers - a side who have also been far from shy with their chequebook since getting billionaire owners in 2016.

Wolves away are a tricky first test for Silva and his side - who will unlikely be ready to start with any of his latest acquisitions from yesterday at the Molineux. And after a pitiful pre-season that ended in four straight defeats (including by three-goal margins against Blackburn Rovers and Rennes), a significant improvement is going to be needed from the rest of the squad if they are to avoid an opening day defeat.

Great Low Expectations (for Now)

Luckily for Marco Silva, Sam Allardyce left Evertonian’s expectations at an all-time low during his tenure and inevitable departure. It means his replacement should be dealt a little more patience and breathing space from the Blues’ faithful – even if he wasn’t the ambitious big-name appointment that many had hoped for.

To keep the supporters on his side, though, for once, it may not immediately be about results. Goodison wants a plan that it can get behind. One that can return glory to L4.

If Marco Silva can show the hungry Blues a vision, they’ll be with him every step of the way.

It’s time to build something at Everton, and, maybe helpfully, the low expectations may just give Marco Silva enough time to lay the foundations.