Strengths:
Solid Midfield Base - McCarthy, Barry and Besic are all terrific players and can rotate roles to create a superb base to build on. This is key as it gives the full-backs room to push forwards which is key to Everton's gameplan. McCarthy especially is a very under-appreciated player with a superb passing range and very intelligent positioning when it comes to a defensive role.
Width - Even when their wide players cut inside, which Mirallas loves to do, Everton always have a full-back on the overlap. Not only that, but these full-backs are exceptionally good on the ball - Baines is one of the best crossers in the world and Coleman showed his ability going forward last season.
Fluidity - Everton's system is extremely fluid and allows player like Barkley and Mirallas to get the ball in dangerous areas and create chances for their forward, who may be Lukaku but it seems that they may have to find a different player. However, this fluidity makes them incredibly hard to stop, as they have intelligent players who will find space and hurt teams.
Weaknesses:
A Forward - This may only be an issue for a short amount of time, but currently Everton only have Naismith and Kone as senior forwards and need another striker. Lukaku may be leaving but I think that he will go elsewhere and I'm not sure he's as good a fit for Everton as is made out. At the moment they may be a little bit toothless.
Inconsistent in Attack - Mirallas and Barkley are incredibly talented but often struggle for consistent performances and McGeady, if he starts, is very similar. However, Everton only really need one of them to have a good game and they're in with a chance, and Barkley is only going to improve.
Signings:
Muhamed Besic - I was extremely impressed by Besic in the World Cup. He's a dynamic footballer who is comfortable on the ball and intelligent defensively. For £4m he could be the steal of the transfer window, considering he is stylistically similar to Schneiderlin who is being touted for 4 or 5 times as much.
Gareth Barry - Having been disappointing near the end of his Manchester City career, he has been revitalised under Martinez and shown just how good he actually is. Signing a permanent deal with Everton could be a great signing for both parties if he can keep up last season's form.
Who They Should Sign:
A Striker - As I've said before, Everton need a striker to score the goals they need to break the top 4 in the next few seasons. It will depend on how much they have to spend, but it's clear that the Everton board trust Martinez. Lukaku would be a decent signing but I think Martinez could find a cheaper alternative. In my opinion, Remy would be a superb signing but his wage demands will be huge.
A Right Winger - McGeady is a wonderful substitute to have, but Martinez opted not to start him much last season. I'm a fan of Pienaar but he is also not quite at the level of a top 6 team any more, so signing a top class winger would be a real sign of improvement and progress.
Final Thoughts:
Everton look set to make the top 8 again, but if they are to make progress they need to make a few big signings. At current they don't look like breaking into the top 5, despite having a very functional squad and a fantastic manager, as they just need to make a few marquee signings to push them to the next level.
Everton are very good against all sorts of teams as they are tactically flexible, so can give the bigger teams a very good game as well as dominating against 'weaker' teams. This means that they could conceivably get into the top 5 as they can match them, but they are a little too unreliable and inconsistent going forward to get enough points to break into it unless they make some fantastic signings.
With a little bit of investment Everton could shake up the top of the league, but even without they could have a very successful season. The future looks bright for Everton fans.
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