David Moyes’ comments about the size and depth of the Everton squad have sparked a major debate over whether the Blues have enough quality and versatility to handle the demands of the season.
On paper, Everton have significantly more options than they had during some of the club’s toughest periods. Moyes now has greater numbers at his disposal, providing more competition for places and additional cover across several positions.
But numbers alone do not necessarily solve a squad’s problems.
The real test for Everton will be whether those options provide Moyes with different solutions when matches become difficult. Having more than 20 players available is one thing; having players capable of changing the momentum of a game is another.
If Everton are chasing a result with 20 minutes remaining, who can come off the bench and make an immediate impact? If the striker is struggling to influence the game, does Moyes have another forward who can offer a completely different threat?
The same question applies out wide. Opponents will look to double up on Everton’s key attackers, and the Blues need alternatives capable of exploiting space elsewhere on the pitch.
That is where the biggest question surrounding Moyes’ squad could emerge.
Everton may now possess greater depth, but depth and versatility are not necessarily the same thing. A squad can be larger while still lacking the specialist profiles needed to change games tactically.
For Moyes, ensuring Everton have multiple ways of winning matches could prove crucial. The manager will need players who can alter the tempo, provide different attacking threats and give him genuine options when Plan A stops working.
The squad is bigger. The expectations are rising. But whether Everton have enough different solutions could become one of the defining questions of Moyes’ campaign.