Season 2021-22 Opinion Talking Points

Everton must ward off all interest in Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison

Everton face a period of concern following the sacking of Rafael Benitez with the club in a precarious position above the relegation zone in the Premier League. It was clear that the Spaniard would have to leave his position after a 2-1 defeat to Norwich City, though it was obvious that he was challenged from the beginning of his tenure, given that he was a former Liverpool manager and had made some unsavoury past comments about the Toffees.

Benitez did anything to endear himself to supporters with the standard of football and results attained during his six-and-a-half months at Goodison Park. There were slight mitigating circumstances due to the lack of resources in the transfer market and injuries to key players. However, Benitez steered the club into a scrap at the bottom of the table to remain in the division, and the loss at the hands of the Canaries was the straw that broke the camel's back.

As a result of the Spaniard's failure, Everton are now backed in the Premier League football betting odds at 9/2 to be relegated. The odds are in favour of the Toffees avoiding the drop and interim manager Duncan Ferguson has enough quality in the team, notably in the final third, to prevent a disastrous end to the campaign. Beyond that, the future of the club as a European contender looks bleak, to say the least, especially if the elite sides in the Premier League come calling for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

Calvert-Lewin is entering a crucial phase in his career, and although he has endured an injury-hit campaign, the forward remains Everton's most vital player in the final third. His form towards the end of the season will be essential in warding off the threat of relegation and providing momentum moving ahead into the next term. The problem for the Toffees is that Calvert-Lewin is attracting attention from the rest of the Premier League, and other leading outfits from the continent should be taking note of his performances.

Manchester United were touted with interest last summer before signing Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, Arsenal and West Ham are reportedly ready to sign the England international, who may have worries about a potential spot in Gareth Southgate's squad for the 2022 World Cup if he remains in Merseyside. A move elsewhere may allow him to push his credentials for a starting berth alongside Harry Kane in the England line-up, or at the least secure his seat on the plane to Qatar.

Without Calvert-Lewin's goals, there will be major issues for the Toffees in the final third. The club would receive a sizeable fee, but considering the hit-and-miss nature of the recruitment over the last six years, there is no guarantee that a replacement would come into the side and hit the ground running.

Everton will also have fears regarding the future of Richarlison, who has been linked with Barcelona. Now that the Catalan club are beginning to resolve their financial woes they could be tempted for a move for the Brazil international. Richarlison cannot afford to rest on his laurels amid the competition for a spot in the Brazil side for the World Cup, which may force his hand in requesting a transfer to a Champions League outfit.

If matters look bleak now for the Toffees, the next six months could become a whole lot worse if the club does not improve both on and off the pitch.

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