Ronald Koeman’s Everton stand little chance of a top-6 finish this season but the manager will be relatively happy with the progress his side has made this season. Though they are set to lose their top goal scorer in Romelu Lukaku this summer, Koeman has some big plans for the club at the end of the season.
The Merseyside outfit has been linked to a number of exciting players in recent times and one name that is now doing the rounds is Davy Klaassen. The 24-year old Dutch international has been one of the most consistent players for Ajax, a top tier domestic football club in Netherlands.
A central midfielder by trait, Klaassen is a player who loves to have an impact in the final third. He is a liability facing his own goal but the 24-year old has all it takes to become the next big thing in his country. He has been a mainstay for Ajax this season, making 43 appearances in all competitions, most of them coming from the centre of the midfield.
He has been used as an offensive midfielder at times but Klaassen is learning the trade as a part of the midfield three for Ajax and is only growing in stature. He has been productive in this role, scoring 15 goals to add to the 10 assists that he has picked up this season, standing as one of the most productive players in Europe at the moment from his position.
Moving to the Premier League is always a big step, more so for a player like Klaassen who relies on his ability on the ball and not strength to get past players. He is not adept at holding the ball up in dangerous areas and needs to work immensely on defending but Koeman will feel that his Everton side could certainly do with his creativity next season.
The Toffees have used Idrissa Gueye and Gareth Barry regularly this season while Morgan Schneiderlin, who only joined the club in January, has quickly become an integral part of the squad. Barry, 36, may not be at the club next season, or will not play regularly at least. They need a player who can walk into the first team at the club, as a part of the midfield three and Klaassen is not a bad option at all.
The 24-year old could play on either side of Schneiderlin, who has been used as the deepest midfielder by Koeman this season. A midfielder of Schneiderlin, Gueye and Klaassen has a great balance to aggression and concentration to it. While the Dutch midfielder can try to weave his magic from the midfield, Gueye and Schneiderlin will sit back and add mobility and solidity to the entire squad.
Even with little experience in the Premier League, Klaassen is a superb option for Everton this summer.
