American Blue Scouser Column: The Free Agent Strikers Everton Should Sign

I just posted an article recently about available strikers that Everton has an opportunity to sign. Now to be clear, in this column, I don't advocate to sign these guys to start, but simply be used as depth. Things are bleak at the striker position, Thierno Barry cannot be relied upon for 90 minutes every single game, reinforcements are needed. So, instead of signing one striker, I personally believe two should be, just hear me out why.

So, Everton should sign either Anthony Martial or Karim Benzema, but for two different reasons. I will breakdown why for either player, but there is one significant one that should be signed for a few reasons that make sense why. Now, none of these guys are great options, but depth and the ability to even play helps especially after the sad state after the last transfer window.

Martial makes the most sense here as he has shown flashes of productivity and has experience in the Premier League. Martial is also just 30 years old, which helps his case in the long run as he is young. While his form in the last few appearances in the EPL isn't exactly eye popping, Martial still is an intriguing talent. Martial isn't going to light things up unless he gets hot, but there is ways for David Moyes to use him. One way is to play Martial as a central forward behind Barry in support as that could make things interesting in the attack. Another way is to have him as a second striker paired with Barry. Martial could be used as a guy to substitute on for Barry. Then lastly, it probably would be useful to use Martial as a decoy. I am sure there are other ways to use him, but Martial should be signed for Everton. I personally like having his ability on the team, especially in this time of need, in order to help Moyes' attack.

Benzema should be signed only if Moyes knows how to use him. I am confident Moyes would use him properly as he is pragmatic with his tactics, but Benzema is a different type of striker compared to Martial. Benzema might be older, but good lord is he productive and having a player of his caliber helps. Benzema likely won't start, but Moyes could rotate him with Barry for a bit so that Barry isn't overused and exhausted. The poor guy is literally the only striker on the team, give him a break! That being said, Benzema could also sub in for Barry in every match, come on as an extra attacker when needed, and be used as a second striker as well. Again, I'm sure there are other ways to use him, but these come to mind.

Lastly, I personally believe Everton should sign Jamie Vardy. I think Vardy, at the age of 39, knows he is on his last legs as a player, so why not be used as a mentor to Barry and be depth. Vardy loves playing the game, he'd likely sign on the cheap and come off the bench when his number is called, so it seems like a no brainer to sign him. Vardy would be great depth off the bench and could sub on to replace Barry or Benzema/Martial depending on the situation. Dare I say Vardy could be a folk/cult hero (however, you want to say it) if he comes off the bench and he scores a few goals in crucial moments, which he has a penchant to do? Yeah, I think he could and possibly be used in a two striker situation could even help Vardy's chances too to become that hero. That being said, signing Vardy would help a lot here and it makes total sense. Vardy would absolutely love this chance if he got it and getting an opportunity to be that hero makes things even more perfect. Plus, it helps he played at Serie A which suggests Vardy has the ability to still play at a high level.

Sure, Everton will look for a striker in January, as they should, but making these signings could actually help a lot and could help negate some need in that window. Moyes is also very pragmatic, so using Barry, Vardy, and Benzema/Martial could be interesting. Moyes could get very creative with how he uses them. Yes, bringing in a striker in January would be helpful when eventually Vardy and Benzema/Martial move on at the end of the season, but having these names here actually could help the club for the entirety of campaign. Heck, even Braiden Graham could benefit from this as well as he's a youngster with a lot of of promise that could learn a lot from these guys. Either way, there is just too much of a reason to sign two strikers here in hopes of staving off relegation. Crazier ideas have been made, but you can't be mad at the logic behind it.