5 Issues Everton Need to Work on During November International Break

The third international break of the season has once again arrived after a disappointing result for Everton.

A 1-1 draw at Sunderland has left the Toffees stuck in a congested middle third of the table, unable to keep pace with the top six.

On paper, 14 points from 11 games is no disaster, and it is at least a solid platform to build from. Compared to last season's results, however, Everton have some serious work to do if a European finish is to be repeated.

Excluding results against newly promoted clubs, Roberto Martinez's side are already nine points worse off from last season's corresponding fixtures.

Here's a look at some areas to work on as international football takes centre stage.

A Contingency Plan Without Gareth Barry

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Gareth Barry was injured early on during the 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

While the exact prognosis remains unclear, it seems likely the central midfielder will spend some time on the sidelines.

Everton must use the next two weeks to prepare for this potential absence.

Barry is one of the most influential players in Martinez's XI. He is integral to the possession approach, and his performance normally parallels that of the team's.

He is regularly the leading passer, moving his side around the field and keeping the Toffees playing at a high tempo.

Without him, Muhamed Besic or Darron Gibson must look to step in and perform this key role.

A Better Blanket of Attacking Production

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Despite a decent goals return, Everton's creative play is yet to reach top gear.

In terms of shots at goals and chances created, the Toffees' production mirrors their midtable league position.

Creating 111 chances is only the eighth-best return in the Premier League and firing in 150 shots is ninth; these are results in which Martinez must find improvement.

For Everton to rise up the table, their attacking results cannot be behind the likes of Stoke City, Southampton and West Ham United, as they currently are.

Martinez's Best Option at No. 10

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Last season, Ross Barkley was Everton's regular No. 10.

With the youngster injured as this season began, Martinez used Steven Naismith in that role.

The Scotland international impressed and is currently the Toffees' leading scorer with five goals this season.

Naismith has become a hard man to omit, and Samuel Eto'o has also shown he can perform in that role after an excellent game against Burnley.

With Barkley back in the picture, Martinez has rotated all three men in this position, seemingly unsure of his best option.

The trio have all remained regular selections, which has often left two of them used in a wider role.

Martinez needs to establish his best option at No. 10 and reduce the amount of time Barkley, Eto'o and Naismith spend playing on the flanks.

Coax Some Consistency out of Romelu Lukaku

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Romelu Lukaku has struggled to find his best form this season.

A strong showing, such as his performance against Lille, has often been followed by a poor display, such as his most recent game against Sunderland.

In truth, such fluctuating consistency is a regular characteristic of any 21-year-old; however, having shelled out £28 million for his signature, Everton will want a more reliable stream of production from their record signing.

The main issue has been his first touch and hold-up play, which seem far more hesitant than usual and is often stalling his side's attacking interplay.

Lukaku is at least still finding the net during this rut, unlike numerous recent out-of-form strikers at Everton—such as Nikica Jelavic, Louis Saha and Yakubu—whose goals almost completely dried up.

Accelerate the Recovery Time of Martinez's Injury List

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Finally, Everton must use this international break to speed up the healing time of their injured contingent.

Kevin Mirallas has been out since the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, and his attacking flair has been sorely missed. 

Barry's injury has already been mentioned, but James McCarthy also ended the Sunderland game with a knock, while Seamus Coleman has been nursing an Achilles issue for the past few weeks.

John Stones and Antolin Alcaraz are currently on the longer-term absentee list, along with Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo. 

The next two weeks can hopefully improve the condition of all those mentioned and see some in contention to face West Ham.

Statistics via WhoScored.com and Squawka.com.

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