Manager Scott Phelan has discussed the strength in depth within the forward areas of Everton Women, but has admitted that it is tough to fit everyone into the starting line-up.
After seeing his side claim their fourth straight league win, three of which came under his command since becoming interim head coach following Brian Sorensen’s departure, the Blues’ interim head coach has challenged those not in the starting XI to make an impact when they enter the field.
Sunday’s win over Tottenham Hotspur
was decided when substitutes Kelly Gago and Inma Gabarro combined to give the former her fifth goal of the season.
But with only three positions up for grabs the boss knows that competition is fierce and those who are on the field need to make an impact.
“It is easy to see the starting XI, but there is real quality on the bench, especially in those attacking areas,” Phelan told evertontv. “We’ve got some depth in there and it is hard to fit them all into the team.
“They will be frustrated, I know that, there body language tells me that as soon as we name the team.
“But what we have asked from them is when they are waiting to come onto the pitch, they support the teammates.
“They can be frustrated at me, I pick the team and that’s part of my role, but they can’t be frustrated at teammates.
“When they come over the line, they have to make an impact.”
With five games still to play, Phelan will be well aware that his long-term future may well depend on what his side does in these quintet of fixtures, which include meetings against the current top three as well as a Merseyside derby.
But it’s goals that win games and Everton are the lowest scorers in the top half, often relying on a strong defence and the goalkeeping prowess of Courtney Brosnan, which means that selection in those three forward roles will be so important if the Toffees are to finish strongly.
The case for Kelly Gago
The matchwinner on Sunday, France international Gago is still the most natural finisher amongst the team with five goals in just 12 appearances for the Blues this season.
With Sorensen revealing that the 27-year-old desire to leave earlier this year, coupled with a number of injury issues, Phelan will be hoping that the former Sampdoria star will be available for the final five games of the season.
It is more than likely that Gago’s days at Everton are numbered, but is that perhaps a great incentive for the forward to deliver the kind of performance that will see clubs willing to meet her release clause?
There is no question that she is the most natural leader of the line and her partnership with Toni Payne has often worried a number of WSL defences.
Gabarro and Momiki
Returning from her loan spell and assuming that central role of the three, Gabarro proved more than a just a capable deputy in the absence of both Gago and Katja Snoeijs when she netted the winner against London City Lionesses in her first start since returning from her loan spell with Sevilla.
At just 23, the Spanish star has many more great days in front of her but is probably behind Gago in terms of that central striking role.
Yuka Momiki may well have arrived as an attacking midfielder, but five goals and a string of consistent performances in a number of positions have made the former Leicester City star an almost guaranteed starter, especially with her WSL experience and on-field chemistry with fellow Japanese star, Honoka Hayashi.
Derby hero Vignola and impact star Lawley
Few players in history will have announced themselves better to Everton supporters that Ornella Vignola. The young Spaniard destroyed local rivals Liverpool on the opening day of the season with a debut hattrick, as fans must have been thinking they have the find of the season.
While the 21-year-old has not let anyone down, the performance at Anfield has perhaps weighed heavy on her, with just two more goals in all competitions and a solitary assist in 22 games. Asked to often lead the line rather than her preferred role out wide, Vignola has got on with things and is without doubt one for the future.
And while they occupy the same positions, Lawley is the other end of the spectrum, with over 150 appearances made for more than half a dozen clubs, the 31-year-old was recalled from Burnley and provides a wealth of experience that will be invaluable to both Phelan and her teammates in the run in.
Royal Blue Mersey’s choice
We at Royal Blue Mersey are glad we don’t pick the team but, if every forward is fit, here’s our preferred front three:
Payne – Gago – Momiki
A trio that has guile pace and natural finishing ability, what is your preferred trio? Leave your line-ups in the comments below.
