Former Everton defender Michael Ball provides his assessment as the start of the new season approaches
David Moyes during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
David Moyes during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and AS Roma at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
As a player, pre-season can be tough. It is about fitness, more than anything, and the friendly matches are difficult because you cannot create the same levels of competitiveness as when the season starts. Because of this, you have to take performances - and results - with a pinch of salt.
Everton’s build-up to the new campaign has been a struggle - other than the win over Port Vale the team have lost four games and drawn with Manchester United and Accrington Stanley. I was actually out in the US while the Summer Series was taking place and I thought it was a good trip even if the results against West Ham United and Bournemouth were frustrating.
It is important Everton work to get the brand out to an international audience and there were legitimate excuses for some of the displays - including the weather.
What matters is that, having come through pre-season, Everton now have the fitness levels to compete and that relationships within the squad have strengthened for the campaign ahead.
There were positive signs on Saturday even as they fell to defeat to Roma. Like David Moyes, I thought the Blues were good value for the first 45 minutes. There were some nice passages of play and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall stood out in his first game in Royal Blue. He looked cultured and was adept at finding pockets of space.
He was also comfortable driving forward with the ball and Everton have missed that directness over recent years.
I still have some familiar grumblings over the team as we approach the season opener at Leeds United. I thought they looked vulnerable when defending set pieces and they look susceptible to the counter attack when they lose the ball up the pitch.
They were also a bit slow on the ball and took too many touches in the final third. Jack Grealish could help on both counts but others will also have to step up. I want to see Everton play with more pace - I want them to be able to hurt the opposition.
There remains work to do in the transfer market but I hope Everton do not panic, even if I would like to see further improvements - as soon as possible.
Lots of other clubs in the Premier League are finding the transfer market tough this summer and Everton need to stick to their plan. Moyes is clearly frustrated with the pace of business but opportunities will open up in the coming weeks if the club is patient.
There is clearly room for improvement, especially on the right, and Everton will be left short without a few new players.
But I have faith in Moyes to have this squad ready for the new season - and I am confident those in charge know what needs to be done for Everton to have the positive campaign we all hope will mark the first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium.