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Everton’s troubles continue to build

By Jocelyn Taub

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Phil Jagielka of Everton (C) and team mates look in defeat after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Phil Jagielka of Everton (C) and team mates look in defeat after the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides third goal as Ashley Williams of Everton looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on September 17, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates scoring his sides third goal as Ashley Williams of Everton looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on September 17, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Everton have an ageing defense that is leaking goals

Everton have the second leakiest defense so far this season with 20 opposition goals allowed. Only Crystal Palace (21) have let in more

What’s surprising is that the Toffees’ had the seventh best ranked defense in the league last year. They kept 13 clean sheets and allowed an average of just 1.16 goals per game.

The back line for Everton features very experienced players such as Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams. Perhaps that is part of the problem as each of these defenders is over 30. In fact their combined age is 100 years. It’s an unfair reality, but the other side of 30 in professional sports is the latter stages of an athlete’s career.

The loss of Seamus Coleman has also been a problem for Everton. The 29-year-old full back has been out of action since breaking his leg earlier this year. His recovery continues and the hope is that he will return early in 2018.

Ex-Burnley defender Michael Keane has made eight appearances this season for Everton. The 24-year-old has injected a bit of youth in to the squad, but he is currently sidelined as well. A gash suffered during a recent match became infected and he is in the hospital receiving treatment.

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