Rafa Benitez might have given Frank Lampard a £12m Everton transfer boost

As the dust begins to settle on Everton's disappointing and dramatic 2021-22 season, focus will slowly start to shift towards the summer.

Blues supporters everywhere will do their own assessment of the squad and ask the question that's always posed in this period of footballing purgatory - where do we need to strengthen?

In truth, it may be quicker to list the areas they don't.

Those spots are arguably just as important for manager Frank Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell though. In a summer where the football club is likely to be in constant flux, any pillars of stability and familiarity will be important to help ease transitions.

One position Everton may not look to bolster in the summer - for the first time in years - is the right-back berth.

Under Lampard the team has played a three-man defence in recent weeks, with Alex Iwobi shining as a wing-back on the right flank. Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman has shown himself to be a solid option as a right-back or right centre-back as part of a defensive trio, albeit it would be beneficial for all if his minutes were managed more appropriately next term.

But the man who Everton may put their faith in on the right of the defence is Nathan Patterson, despite the fact he is yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Toffees.

The Scotland international joined from Rangers in January - under the management of Rafa Benitez - and was unable to force his way into the team initially, before his campaign was curtailed in April because of an ankle problem that required surgery.

It appears the 20-year-old is on the road to recovery though, as he was handed an international call-up for a crucial set of upcoming fixtures for Scotland, including the World Cup playoff