After a hectic summer transfer window, that somehow ultimately seemed to have weakened their squad, Merseyside outfit Everton were once again busy in the January transfer window, as Sam Allardyce looked to improve on his squad, that he acquired just a couple of months ago.
The Toffees have already signed Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott this month and reports now claim that they are set to land Manchester City star Eliaquim Mangala.
Everton Close In On Mangala:
Manchester City decided to spend big yet again on a defender, as they signed Aymeric Laporte yesterday. This has left Mangala further down the pecking order and put up for sale. Reports from several news outfits claim that Everton are expected to complete a deal for the French defender before the deadline.
They are reportedly taking the former Valencia man on loan but what does he bring to Goodison Park?
Mangala And His Numbers:
Having only established himself in the European circuit with Porto, Mangala moved to Manchester City in 2014 with high expectations, but he failed to deliver, which saw him being sent out on loan to the Mestalla in Valencia, in Pep Guardiola’s first-year in charge at the club.
The Spanish manager failed to land a CB in the summer and decided to give Mangala a try but the 25-year old is yet to impress in the top flight and has not matched the levels required at the Etihad. However, he is still a solid centre-half, who can dominate his box and get the better of even the best attackers in the league.
A strong and hard tackling defender, who loves to throw himself about in the box, Mangala is a committed player, who is rarely lethargic. He is confident with the ball at his feet and can pass out from the back but is more than adept at clearing danger when called for. He is hard to beat in the air and may be caught out on a foot race but is not one to give up.
He makes a few dubious calls at times, giving away needless fouls in and around the box but at 26, he has better years ahead of him. He can also play as a left-back, and his versatility makes him a decent acquisition for The Blues.
Where Will He Fit In?
It is evident that Allardyce wants a left-footed defender in his side as the injuries to Leighton Baines and Roberto Funes-Mori has left their backline one dimensional. Mangala will not only solve this problem but will also allow the former England national team coach to use a 3-man backline.
Young Mason Holgate and Phil Jagielka are backups for Michael Keane and Ashley Williams but two of those names are at the fag end of their career and Mangala could be the long-term fix for this role.
He is yet to prove himself in England but do you think he can at Goodison Park?