Carlo Ancelotti’s side entered the current international break on a low note after registering their third consecutive loss in the Premier League, falling to a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United in their latest top flight outing.
The Toffees started their league campaign on a five-game unbeaten streak, but have since slipped down from the top of the standings to seventh.
Ball believes Everton can get their season back on track provided they approach the game with a lot more desire and pace in possession, while adding more steel to their style of play by closing down the opposition higher up the pitch.
The former Everton star also identified another area of concern for Ancelotti’s side, with the 42-year-old highlighting that the Italian’s midfield currently lacks a player who is capable of driving their attack forward by making resolute runs and finding a pass.
“I think we’re lacking runners in midfield, people who can carry the ball forwards and then find a pass”, Ball wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.
“We’ve got players of great ability passing-wise, but we haven’t got many midfielders who can run and really drive at teams.
“I’ve looked at other sides this season and the teams that are up there have got players who can run with the ball and break the lines, giving them the opportunity for their strikers to get in dangerous areas more often.
“We need to show more pace and desire in possession, closing down a bit higher up.
“And I think those tweaks will make a massive difference for us.”
Ancelotti will look to resume his side’s campaign with a win on 22nd November when he takes Everton to the capital to take on Fulham.
