According to Mirror, Everton are currently tracking Porto winger, Yacine Brahimi. It is believed that the Algerian will be available for a cut-price fee this January, with his contract with Porto set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Brahimi has already been linked with a host of Premier League clubs this season and Everton, it seems, are the latest one to join the list.
Yacine Brahimi: A Good Addition To Silva’s Armoury
Everton have seen a somewhat steady improvement following the appointment of Marco Silva in the summer, despite their fair share of inconsistencies.
The results have been mixed and even though there is a marked improvement in fluidity in their gameplay, the attack has not always clicked.
The likes of Theo Walcott, Bernard and Cenk Tosun have been inconsistent and with the Toffees, thereby, lacking too many reliable options in the wider positions of the pitch, the addition of someone like Brahimi is almost imperative.
The Algerian international, unlike Walcott, often likes to cut-inside and produce a host of scoring opportunities for his team by using his excellent vision and technical quality. He has averaged almost one key pass per game this season.
Additionally, Brahimi also loves to take on defenders, having averaged a whopping 4.6 dribbles per game. And the fact that he has attempted over 2 shots per game is indicative of his willingness to try and find the back of the net.
Therefore, Brahimi certainly has the qualities Everton are lacking in their wide-department this season, especially with Walcott often being too one-dimensional in his approach against defenders and Richarlison being preferred as the false 9.
Although the 28-year-old Porto man may not be blessed with raw pace such as the former Arsenal star, his ability to provide through balls in behind the defence combined with his excellent vision, will lend a creative essence to the Everton attack which is different to what they possess right now.
The winger is physically imposing and does not shy away from a tussle. He can shield the ball well and keep possession under pressure in critical areas and seems to be tailor-made for the league in that aspect also.
To that end, the Porto midfielder can prove to be an absolute bargain for the Toffees as they aim to bulk up their creative options in January. He will certainly add more exposure to the Everton attack as well as give Silva an additional option in terms of his tactical choices in the final third.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored