As the dust begins to settle on Everton's disappointing and dramatic 2021-22 season, focus will slowly start to shift towards the summer.
Blues supporters everywhere will do their own assessment of the squad and ask the question that's always posed in this period of footballing purgatory - where do we need to strengthen?
In truth, it may be quicker to list the areas they don't.
Those spots are arguably just as important for manager Frank Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell though. In a summer where the football club is likely to be in constant flux, any pillars of stability and familiarity will be important to help ease transitions.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard answered important Everton question but new challenges clear
READ MORE: Police release update over 'altercation' involving Patrick Vieira at Goodison Park
One position Everton may not look to bolster in the summer - for the first time in years - is the right-back berth.
Under Lampard the team has played a three-man defence in recent weeks, with Alex Iwobi shining as a wing-back on the right flank. Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman has shown himself to be a solid option as a right-back or right centre-back as part of a defensive trio, albeit it would be beneficial for all if his minutes were managed more appropriately next term.
But the man who Everton may put their faith in on the right of the defence is Nathan Patterson, despite the fact he is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Toffees.
The Scotland international joined from Rangers in January - under the management of Rafa Benitez - and was unable to force his way into the team initially, before his campaign was curtailed in April because of an ankle problem that required surgery.
It appears the 20-year-old is on the road to recovery though, as he was handed an international call-up for a crucial set of upcoming fixtures for Scotland, including the World Cup playoff qualifier semi-final against Ukraine. That's followed by a potential final against Wales and three Nations League games.
Manager Steve Clarke said he's confident the youngster can play a part in the fixtures, although said he may not be ready for Ukraine on June 1.
"I think at some stage over the four, or hopefully five, matches Nathan will be fit to play," said the Scotland boss. "His return to play is imminent and it will just come down to match fitness. I would put him down as doubtful for the Ukraine game."
Patterson's comeback will be good news for Lampard, who confirmed he was going to give the youngster his first Premier League start against West Ham United before he picked up the current injury.
His return will also give Everton some key depth in the position next season, especially if the three-man defence remains Lampard's go-to system.
While Patterson has excited Everton fans with some eye-catching moments since he joined the club, unfortunately those have come when playing for his country. But he's shown himself to be a purposeful dribbler and a key attacking outlet for Scotland, traits that will be welcome at his club too.
Blues will hope to see more of that in the coming weeks if he does get chances for Scotland and for that form to carry over into the royal blue colours of Everton next season.
The last few months would have been tough for the Scot and that is no doubt something that will be challenging for him to overcome.
Not only did he up sticks from his home town to sit on the bench for a team that was toiling in the Premier League, he's also had to watch on as Rangers surged towards the Europa League final. It would have been understandable if some regretful thoughts entered his mind while taking in the amazing atmospheres at Ibrox sat injured at home.
But patience was always going to be the key with Patterson and his manager will hope to be rewarded by playing the long game with him.
With Everton entrenched in a relegation battle last season, Lampard's initial reluctance to thrust Patterson into a struggling team is perhaps understandable. In times of peril, it's an instinctive reaction for coaches to turn to experience and dependability.
But at the start of a new season, with a full pre-season under his belt - all being well fitness-wise -, pressure eased on the team and a possible World Cup spot to play for, it can be the perfect time for the promising full-back to get his career at Goodison Park underway in earnest.
