Graeme Sharp is urging Roberto Martinez to build from the back at Everton as he looks to challenge for UEFA Champions League football.
Martinez has set his sights on competing for a place in the most-prestigious competition in club football after succeeding David Moyes at Goodison Park.
The move to Merseyside represents a significant step up for the 39-year-old Spaniard, who led Wigan to FA Cup glory last season but was unable to prevent them slipping out of the Premier League.
Wigan conceded 73 goals in the league last term due to a combination of injury problems to key players and error-strewn performances.
Everton legend Sharp does not anticipate that Martinez will suffer the same defensive issues next season as the club’s fans wait to see what changes he will make in terms of personnel and tactics.
“I think Roberto will do his own thing from an attacking point of view, but he’s inheriting a solid back-four,” said Sharp on the club’s official website.
“There’s been accusations that his Wigan team leaked too many goals, but when you look at them last year, they had a lot of injuries in the centre-back positions which didn’t help him.
“He’s now coming to a club that have a sound back-four and a sound goalkeeper, so hopefully that won’t be the problem area for him.
“Everyone knows he wants to play expansive football, so I’m sure the fans will be happy.
“I think the football we’ve seen over the last couple of years has been first-class with players like Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas.
“He’s got the tools there, Roberto. Whether he does make one or two tweaks, we’ll have to see. Certainly, looking to the future, hopefully we can continue to improve. He’s got a fantastic job and hopefully he can take the club onto the next level.”
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