Pearce makes bold Everton European claim but identifies one missing piece

Stuart Pearce believes Everton are only a striker away from having a side capable of qualifying for European football under David Moyes.

The former England captain was part of talkSPORT’s commentary team at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday as Everton suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season, losing 2-0 to Chelsea after two second-half goals from Pedro Neto.

Despite that setback, Pearce has been encouraged by what he has seen from Moyes’ side and believes one addition in particular could transform their prospects. TalkSPORT reported Pearce’s verdict on Monday: Everton are a striker away from qualifying for European football.

Stuart Pearce identifies Everton’s missing piece

Centre-forward is already one of the obvious areas for Everton to consider strengthening. Thierno Barry remains Moyes’ only recognised senior striker following Beto’s departure for Fiorentina and has scored three Premier League goals this season. The 23-year-old also passed up Everton’s clearest opportunity against Chelsea, heading wide during the first half with the game still goalless.

Moyes subsequently admitted his side had not created enough, but the lack of an established alternative to Barry also limits the manager’s options when Everton need to change a game.

Pearce’s assessment is nevertheless an encouraging one. Everton have 10 points from their opening seven Premier League matches and Saturday was their first league defeat of the campaign, suggesting the former England international sees the foundations of a side capable of competing higher up the table.

There is uncertainty over how much scope Moyes will have to strengthen in January. Pearce has separately expressed concern about Everton’s ownership situation and its potential impact on the window, while arguing that the club needs to “kick on” after establishing greater stability.

That makes the striker question particularly significant. Pearce believes Everton are already close to possessing a side capable of challenging for Europe; whether Moyes is allowed to add the forward he feels they need could help determine how realistic that ambition becomes.

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