---
title: "The search is on; Everton’s creative midfielder"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/the-search-is-on-evertons-creative-midfielder/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Scott Morris"
section: "Other"
published: "2015-08-13T23:05:51Z"
modified: "2015-08-14T08:55:56Z"
---

# The search is on; Everton’s creative midfielder

The summer transfer window is crawling to it’s conclusion and Blues manager Roberto Martinez has admitted he is still on the hunt for three new additions.

One of those on the Catalonians shopping list is a creative midfielder. Several have been linked with a switch to Merseyside this summer, the likes of Keisuke Honda, Dries Mertens and Nolito have been touted in the press but nothing coming to fruition.

![FC Barcelona v Celta Vigo - La Liga](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2015/08/458277744.jpg)

Honda had a difficult season for AC Milan, playing only 26 games, scoring 6 goals and assisting 4. Although it is said that Milan hope to see the best of him this season, the Japanese star is reportedly considering his options. Dries Mertens looks set to stay at Napoli after brief links with the Blues and although Nolito rumours have resurfaced the attacker has spoke of his desire to play for Barcelona.

The Blues have been linked to several more of the summer, many of which have been snapped up by other teams in the Premier League. Dmitri Payet signed for West Ham while Xherdan Shaqiri snubbed Everton for Stoke City. This has left Everton clutching at straws for a player of that ilk, but hopefully the club have a surprise in store for the fans.

One of Everton’s many problems in the 14/15 season was the lack of creativity, especially for Romelu Lukaku. On many occasions Rom was left to create the chances for himself, instead of being put through on goal with a defence-splitting pass. Speaking in January the Belgian expressed his desire for the manager to play to his strengths.

“We mixed up how we played a bit more, at times we were a bit more direct.” Said the Blues striker. “For me that makes it easier, because when I am one v one, running on a defender, that gives me a better chance.”

![Everton v Watford - Premier League](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2015/08/4835850801.jpg)

Unfortunately for Rom a defence-splitting pass is a rare sight for most Evertonians, with the squad often preferring to play the easy ball, much to the frustration of the Goodison Park faithful. The players who played in that position behind the striker have simply left more to be desired. Steven Naismith was often relied upon in attacking midfield but his passing ability was not up to scratch, the Scot didn’t manage even one assist in the 14/15 season and created 25 chances in 31 appearances.

Another player who thrived under Martinez in that position in the 13/14 season was Ross Barkley. Unfortunately for the Wavertree born attacker the last season was one to forget, admitting that he suffered from a loss of confidence that plagued him throughout the year. Barkley created 33 chances in a total of 29 appearances and only managing 2 assists. Compare that to left back Leighton Baines, who created more than double with only two more appearances (70 chances created). Maybe the Englishman can recapture the form he showed in Roberto’s debut season, he certainly took a stride towards that last weekend against Watford with a solid performance and a wonder goal to match. Still, it would be unfair to pile pressure onto the youngster.

![Everton v Watford - Premier League](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2015/08/483393110.jpg)

If Everton hope to succeed in playing a slick passing style of football they simply cannot neglect a creative midfielder this summer. Players such as Shaqiri, Payet and Cabaye who fit the bill have already been snapped up by rival teams leaving the Blues short on possible candidates.

To those who see Romelu Lukaku as lazy, you have not seen the best of him yet. When Everton find a creative player who can play to his strengths, the Merseysiders can finally be a team that opposition defenders fear. Who it will be remains to be seen, but it could be a nervous end to the window for the blues.