Everton are mired in the relegation zone of the Premier League table - and failed to land any new recruits in the January transfer window.
The task at hand for new manager Sean Dyche may have just got even more difficult as rival clubs strengthened. But one silver lining is that the former Burnley boss to used to adversity.
While questions will be asked of the Blues hierarchy for leaving Dyche in this position - the new boss himself will no doubt be plotting how best to use his resources.
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Deciding which duo to select in attack for his trademark 4-4-2 system is a big early call. And there is a possibility Dyche could utilise someone in an advanced midfield role to play off an established striker.
Everton forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms could all potentially feature as a partnership - or as the focal point for another player in behind them.
Dyche was not averse to tweaking roles of versatile stars during his tenure at Turf Moor. Several midfielders were tried in an advanced position, including Jeff Hendrick, Josh Brownhill and Steven Defour.
Here is a look at which Everton players potentially could fill the position if Dyche goes down that route...
Demarai Gray
The pacey forward made multiple appearances through the middle, particularly during his time at Leicester City.
Gray sometimes played as a lone striker for The Foxes particularly during Claude Puel's tenure at the club.
Gray has occasionally played as a second-striker for Everton, including featuring alongside Calvert-Lewin in Everton's 2-1 defeat to Southampton last month.
Dwight McNeil
The former Burnley man sometimes played just off the likes of Matej Vydra during Dyche's time at Burnley.
While McNeil is most likely to feature on the wing under Dyche, playing the Englishman through the middle would allow Gray to feature out wide.
Alex Iwobi
An outside shout for an attacking role, Iwobi has shown himself to be a versatile player already during his time at Everton playing both out wide and in midfield.
While the Nigerian international has never played as an out-and-out striker, he has already performed an advanced role in a blue shirt, playing as an attacking midfielder behind Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
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