**David Moyes has admitted Everton’s squad is smaller than he would like and revealed his ideal number of outfield players would be 21 or 22.**
[Everton](https://readeverton.com/) ended the summer transfer window without the numbers Moyes wanted, leaving him with a relatively small group for the opening months of the season. Asked about managing the squad, Moyes said 21 or 22 outfield players would be his preference. He does believe there are benefits to working with a tight-knit group.
Moyes was asked what he had learned from the 2004/05 season, when Everton sold Wayne Rooney to Manchester United but went on to finish fourth in the Premier League.
The Everton boss pointed out that football was different then. Managers can now make five substitutions, placing more emphasis on the options available from the bench. He also referenced Leicester City’s 2015/16 Premier League title when discussing what can be achieved without a huge squad.
Everton could still add to their numbers through the free-agent market. Moyes raised the subject again on Friday after confirming last week that the club were looking at the players available.
Liverpool Echo reporter Joe Thomas noted from the press conference that Moyes appeared to suggest he had not seen anyone available who he thought would improve the squad. That may explain why Everton have yet to make a move despite being linked with several free agents since the transfer window closed.
Moyes would like more players. For the moment, he appears prepared to work with what he has.
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