Shearer Says: “Everton’s biggest problem was not replacing Lukaku”

Premier League legend speaks out on Toffees’ plight

It looked like the players had stopped running for Ronald Koeman in their recent defeat to Arsenal and Everton had to do something given their recent performances.

They didn’t have any width or pace and they’ve really struggled since losing Romelu Lukaku in the summer.

There’s been no structure to the way that they’ve been playing and the players looked lost by the end of the Arsenal game.

When you put all those factors together then the club had to replace him, and it’s not as if the board didn’t back him in the transfer market this summer.

Losing Lukaku

However, for all their transfer activity, I do think the single biggest reason for their problems this season was that they didn’t replace Lukaku, who had everything they’re lacking. 

They brought in Wayne Rooney but he wasn’t the player to fill that role, not anymore. 

It would be unrealistic to say that they could go and sign a like for like replacement, but they had to try and get somebody in who could give them a focal point to their attack, and score the all important goals.

Premier League pressure

It is without doubt a setback for Ronald but these things happen in football management and the reality is, it probably won’t be the last time that he gets sacked.

I know him personally and he is a very strong individual who has achieved great things in his career as a player, and I am sure that after a break he will be keen to get back into management, whether that is in this country or elsewhere.