Everton have been linked with a move for AS Roma midfielder Maxime Gonalons, who spent last year on loan with Spanish Primera Liga side Sevilla.
The French international who will return from loan to AS Roma next month, and is likely to head out on another loan move amidst interest from the Premier League clubs Everton and West Ham United, as per L’Equipe.
The 30-year-old midfielder has two years left on his contract at Stadio Olimpico. He had an injury-ravaged campaign last season, and managed to feature in only 12 games, appearing for a mere 583 minutes all season for Sevilla.
Is Gonalons a good option for Everton?
Gonalons is a versatile player who usually features as a defensive midfielder and can slot in the central midfield role with ease. He also possesses the ability to move further behind to the centre-back role if needed.
The Frenchman is a strong midfielder, and his 6ft 1in frame helps him dominate opposition players physically and aerially as well. Gonalons averaged an impressive 2.1 aerial duels last season.
The 30-year old also boasts a good passing ability, and he managed a pass success rate of 82% on an average last season.
The right-footed midfielder excels both in offensive and defensive phases of the play. His wide range of skill-set — from his aerial prowess to accurately finding teammates with his long passes — helps him remain a constant threat to the opposition.
Even though he never shies away from a tackle, his anticipation of the game remains a weak link in his style of play. Gonalons managed a mere 0.5 interceptions and blocks per game, so he’ll have to improve on that, especially in the Premier League as teams tend to break with pace.
The Frenchman was deployed in a double pivot at Sevilla, a midfield system similar to what Marco Silva used at Goodison Park.
With Andre Gomes’ loan deal coming to an end without any future promises, and Idrissa Gueye’s future not clear yet, Everton need someone on the standby and Gonalons could be a decent option.
Having said that, he would be a good backup in midfield, and not a direct replacement for Gueye and Gomes as the duo managed good numbers last season, something Gonalons failed at.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored