Everton’s midfield was arguably their deepest area for quality last season, boasting a whole host of talent willing to step in when needed.
Players played out of position with varying success, as Sean Dyche worked tirelessly to find a solution that would keep them in the Premier League.
Succeeding in that task, by the end of the season the engine room was a well-oiled unit, and they cruised to safety.
That foundation could now be further bolstered.
Fabrizio Romano offers Kalvin Phillips Everton update
Speaking on his Daily Briefing released just this morning, the Italian transfer journalist actually touched on Everton briefly, and unsurprisingly given their unrelenting activity this summer.
Romano has been relentless in his coverage of the Toffees, revealing the four additions already made this window and continuing to provide updates on those yet to be confirmed.
And, his latest update now concerns Everton’s interest in Kalvin Phillips, with the Manchester City midfielder seemingly on his way out of the Etihad this summer.
Whilst it is not overwhelmingly positive, there seems to be real promise in the prospect of Dyche capturing the £150k-a-week midfielder, as it reads: ‘There’s no major update yet on Kalvin Phillips’ situation. Everton have been linked, and my understanding is that Everton but also many other clubs spoke with his agents, even if at the moment it’s not something close or imminent.
‘I’m told it can take some days to assess all the options and then enter into advanced talks.’
Kalvin Phillips could complete Everton’s team
Having a midfielder with real quality, capable of getting their foot on the ball and dictating the play, is something that Everton are now set to lose with Amadou Onana’s exit.
And whilst the Belgium international was not the most well-liked figure on Merseyside, with his performances very often flattering to deceive, Phillips promises to deliver in a way that the 22-year-old could not.
After all, he has a history of dominating midfielders within the Premier League, having shone for a newly-promoted Leeds United side during the 2020/21 season.
He had more than earned his big step up to the Premier League champions, having maintained an 85% pass accuracy alongside 2.6 tackles and 1.2 key passes per game.
In hindsight, perhaps a direct route straight to the apex of football wasn’t the smartest move, especially when Pep Guardiola already had the world’s best defensive midfielder in his role.
Everton offers a chance for redemption now, having struggled on loan with West Ham United most recently.
If anyone can get him playing well again it’s Dyche, and his return to form at Goodison Park could complete Everton’s squad.