Former Everton captain Phil Jagielka has called on his old club to 'breed confidence' into Frank Lampard’s squad by becoming active in the January transfer market.
Everton currently find themselves inside the bottom three and face a huge game against Southampton at Goodison Park this weekend. The Blues are set to return to Goodison for the first time since their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion last week.
Chants of 'sack the board' echoed around the stadium after Brighton’s third and fourth goals and following the full-time whistle. And although Blues boss Lampard has been vocal in his need for reinforcements this month, Everton are yet to add any new faces to their squad.
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That has left some supporters in disbelief, especially given the club’s problems in front of goal have been clear for all to see. The Blues have only managed to score 16 times in 21 games in all competitions.
A big part of Everton's problems going forward has been the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international has only managed nine appearances in all competitions.
And while Jagielka admits his former side don’t need to make a whole host of signings this month, he does believe that a couple of new additions could help inspire Everton to the wins they need to move up the Premier League table.
“I'm not sure what transfer options are going to be available to Everton this month,” he told Sky Bet. “They were close with the FFP, with money they had spent previously so there wasn't a lot to bring players in and I don't know if that's changed.
“They need goals and if Dominic Calvert-Lewin is fit and firing goals in, it's not a problem. It's when he's not fit that they've struggled quite a lot this season, and they need someone to replace him if he's not going to be fit – or someone to play with him and be creative – which will take the pressure off the midfield and defence.
“There doesn't need to be lots of players signed, just one or two that will come up with the goods to put the team ahead or to inspire the team to a couple of wins, and hopefully that will breed confidence in the rest of the players.”
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