Gary Neville has made a damning assessment of where it has gone wrong for Everton under Marco Silva this season.
After defeat to Norwich City at Goodison Park at the weekend, the Portuguese boss is under increasing pressure.
are four points off the relegation zone after recording their seventh loss of the campaign.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Neville admitted: "Watching Everton last season, I felt as though they were nearly there and on the right tracks.
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"They were a young team, there was plenty of movement, they needed a striker and we all thought that when they got Moise Kean, that would be the final piece of the jigsaw to catapult them.
"We were talking about them in the same sort of way as Leicester at the start of the season. Leicester have kicked off and Everton have just gone backwards.
"We were talking about them being a surprise package that could break into the top six, most people were."
Last season, Everton finished in eight position just three points off Wolves who secured the final Europa League spot.
The former Manchester United and England defender concluded: "I just feel that ultimately the confidence is shot. Goodison Park is a ferocious atmosphere but it’s for both teams. It’s ultimately a place that can eat you alive if you’re not quite ready for it."
The Blues will now face Brendan Rodgers' in-form Leicester side at the King Power on Sunday.
This showdown will be followed by a midweek trip to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool.
