Marco Silva’s appointment as the new manager has given the Everton fans renewed hope for the next season. After failing to show any progress under Sam Allardyce last season, the Toffees are now desperate to improve on the squad for the next season and are linked with a number of exciting names for a move this summer.
One such player now on their radar is Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Everton’s Plans For English Duo:
The former Watford boss does not seem convinced with the squad at his disposal and wants to make significant changes this summer. He is particularly worried about options in the midfield area and reports now suggest that he is looking to sign Jack Wilshere and Loftus-Cheek.
Also wanted by Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Liverpool, Loftus Cheek has three years left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge but does not seem to have a future in the first team at Chelsea. So should Everton sign him up?
Loftus-Cheek And His Rise:
Having started his youth career with Chelsea, the 22-year old broke into the first team back in 2014 but is yet to establish himself at the club. He was sent out on loan to Crystal Palace last season, in search of regular playing time, and impressed under Roy Hodgson, registering two goals and three assists in 12 league starts.
He also broke into the national team last year and even started in the second match for England in the World Cup. He is a fleet-footed midfielder, who loves to have the ball at his feet and create chances for his side. He is also happy to do the dirty work and adds balance to the midfield.
He is technically gifted and can dribble past opponents with ease and is also keen to add numbers to the attack when needed. It does not look like he will get first team chances at Chelsea next season, so a move to Everton might be a decent step for the midfielder.
How Will He Transform Everton?
The Toffees have an exciting prospect in their midfield in Idrissa Gueye, who, as a no.6, was one of the most effective players in the league last season. But neither Morgan Schneiderlin nor Tom Davies was able to offer him much help, leaving the club shorthanded in the middle of the park.
Loftus Cheek may not be at his best if played alongside Gueye in a two-man midfield but he will be a dangerous player is Silva decides to use a 4-3-3 system. If Everton manage to land Wilshere as well, Gueye and Loftus-Cheek alongside the former Arsenal man will make Everton’s midfield one of the best in the league.
The Toffees need to bring in established players to compete with the best next season and signing Loftus-Cheek is a step in the right direction.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
