Everton's defeat at Manchester City last weekend was a setback many have to endure across a Premier League campaign, being put to the sword by Erling Haaland.
But David Moyes knows his side have made headway since the summer all the same, 12th after eight matches but within a stone's throw of European contention.
Everton manager David Moyes
Recruiting the likes of Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer was a concerted effort toward adding difference-makers to the ranks.
But Jarrad Branthwaite might be the most influential of them all, and the hitch in his recovery from injury could be a significant blow for Moyes' side.
The latest on Branthwaite's fitness
For the second season running, Everton have been without Branthwaite's powerful service for the opening months. Now, as we near November, the England defender requires surgery on his persistent muscular problems.
The complication from the hamstring issue he has been recovering from is expected to rule him out for a lengthy period, and though an exact timeframe has not been provided, it's likely we will not see the "absolute monster", as he has been described in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig, until 2026.
While the Merseysiders have impressed from a defensive vantage, nine goals conceded, Branthwaite's inclusion would only elevate Moyes' project.
Michael Keane, 32, has proved a solid deputy in his countryman's stead this season, starting each of Everton's eight Premier League matches.
jarrad branthwaite
However, there's another member of the Toffees squad who Moyes might want to consider dropping into the middle. When this has occurred thus far this term, it could be argued that Everton look a more balanced and smoother outfit.
Everton "revelation" could replace Branthwaite
Everton have improved since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in the dugout, but the issues picked out at the start of the campaign - the concerns over the quality of the strikers and the lack of depth on the defensive flanks - remain key points of discussion as we inch toward the winter transfer market.
Despite the problems on the flanks, Moyes might want to consider drawing Jake O'Brien into his natural centre-half berth, having utilised the Irishman almost exclusively as a makeshift right-back since arriving at Goodison Park in January.
Jake O'Brien celebrates for Everton
Jake O'Brien celebrates for Everton
O'Brien, 24, joined Everton from Lyon for £15m in August 2024, but he was left on the periphery for the bulk of Dyche's half-term in charge last year.
Moyes saw a left-field solution in the towering defender, though, and placed him on the wing of his backline. There he remained for the duration of the campaign.
Now several months into the new campaign, the "revelation", as he was hailed by journalist Zach Lowy for his performances in France, remains Moyes' most trusted lieutenant.
Moyes' Most-used Everton Players (2nd tenure)
#
1.
1=
3.
4.
5.
Data via Transfermarkt
But the time has come for him to return home. Everton might have a paucity of potential at right-back, but a natural option in the role may well prove to iron out tactical wrinkles which are proving to the detriment of Everton's fluency.
O'Brien, after all, stands at 6 foot 5 and struggles to progress the ball effectively. On top of this, Sofascore record that he has lost 60% of his ground duels in the Premier League this year, which runs counter to his combative and crunching qualities when operating in his natural habitat.
James Garner isn't a natural right-back, but he is good on the ball and could fill in if need be.
Keane is an industrious defender, but he's slow and limited on the ball. Everton are all about evolution right now, but if Branthwaite is booked in for an extended stay in the infirmary, shifting O'Brien into his natural position is surely a no-brainer.