The Defensive Midfielders Everton Should Target This Summer - Ranked
By Josh Sim
It's fair to say last year was a major disappointment for Everton, having made it clear they wanted to compete for Europe...only to finish in 12th place in the Premier League.
With that season now in the books, the mood among fans is now more positive as they place their hopes on Carlo Ancelotti and his managerial skills to revolutionise Goodison Park. While signings have been sparse so far, it appears that the Italian has turned his attention towards revamping the club's midfield, with many defensive midfielders having been recently linked with a move to Merseyside.
With that said, we've put together a ranked list of the candidates the Toffees should target ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
6. Glen Kamara
Glen Kamara may have only arrived at Rangers 18 months ago, but he has already made a name for himself across the continent with his consistent displays.
The Finland international has played every minute of the Gers' Scottish Premiership campaign so far and made the second-most number of passes of all players in the league. While his tackling stats aren't high, his great tactical positioning and awareness ensures that he can halt opposing attacks in his own half.
90min reported exclusively a few weeks ago that Everton were among the many clubs interested in signing him, and while he isn't the flashiest of targets on this list, he'd still do a decent job for the Toffees if acquired.
Suitability Rating: 4/10
5. William Carvalho
A name who has long been linked with the Premier League, William Carvalho would have no problem in adapting to the demands of English football.
At 6'2, the Real Betis anchor is one of the more physically imposing players on this list, and uses his strength well to stop opponents from getting past him. He's also an excellent ball distributor, averaging a pass completion rate of 88% in La Liga last season, and can be relied on to dictate the tempo of a game.
Having made just 11 starts for Los Verdiblancos in their 2019/20 campaign, he would certainly be available to buy and despite being the slowest player on this list, Carvalho would certainly be effective in midfield for Ancelotti.
Suitability Rating: 5/10
4. Baptiste Santamaria
One of the more unknown names on the list, Baptiste Santamaria has quietly become one of Ligue 1's best midfielders and would be well-suited for a move across the channel.
He's starred for Angers as the sole midfield pivot in their 4-1-4-1 formation, and is best known for his strong endurance and work-rate. No player in France covered more distance in the 2018/19 season than he did, and it has helped him excel at making recovering tackles against his opponents.
Having also developed into a strong passer, Santamaria is fast becoming a complete holding midfielder and he certainly has the skills needed to excel in England. As well as the Toffees, Burnley have also been linked with a move for the player.
Suitability Rating: 7/10
3. Abdoulaye Doucouré
Given his brilliant performances for Watford in recent years, the name of Abdoulaye Doucouré is one known by many at Goodison Park.
Versatile enough to play anywhere in midfield, the 27-year-old can be trusted to effectively shield a defence, thanks to his great aerial and tackling abilities. He's also able to drive forward his team with the ball from his own half, and create chances for his attacking teammates as a result.
Having had a £30m bid rejected for him last summer, Doucouré has been linked with Everton for quite some time, and having made it clear he wants out this summer, his addition would certainly fill the club's need for a strong midfield presence.
Suitability Rating: 8/10
2. Allan
Having already played under Ancelotti at Napoli, Allan would need the least amount of time to bed into the Italian's tactics.
Despite his smaller frame of 5'9, the Brazilian is a well-rounded player who can thrive in both an advanced or withdrawn role in midfield. He provides an energetic presence that can be relied upon to win the ball back for his team, while also having the on-ball skills to launch attacks himself.
With his place at Gli Azzurri uncertain due to his poor relationship with Gennaro Gattuso, Allan is said to be available this summer and his signing would instantly give the Merseyside club a lift.
Suitability Rating: 8/10
1. Weston McKennie
Schalke's Weston McKennie has been hotly sought-after this summer by many clubs and it's easy to see why.
The USA international can play in multiple positions, but his ability to break up attacks through his tackling and interception skills means he's best used in the holding role. He's fearless and doesn't lack any confidence, while also being able to score from time-to-time, having netted three goals last season.
At just 21 years old, he's the ideal candidate to buy for the long-term - and the Toffees would be getting themselves an excellent talent in McKennie if they chose to pursue them. City rivals Liverpool and Southampton have also been linked with the player as well.
Suitability Rating: 9/10