Having lost their top goal scorer in Romelu Lukaku this summer, Everton have been as busy a club as any in the English transfer market as they have added some exciting names to their lineup for the next season. The manager does not seem convinced yet and is still looking for quality players who can come good this season.
There are a number of names that are constantly linked with a move to Everton and the latest name in the mix is Wesley Hoedt. The 23-year old Dutch international is one of the most exciting prospects in Serie A, playing for Lazio and is also turning heads at the St Mary’s. Southampton are determined to land Hoedt this summer but Everton have now joined the race for his signature.
A product of the AZ Academy in Netherlands, Hoedt only moved to the senior side in 2014 and managed 26 top flight appearances in Eredivisie, before moving on to Lazio in 2015. In the two years at the club, he has cemented a place in the first team, making 48 Serie A appearances for his side in his career.
He has made his international debut earlier this year and has already had four appearances for the national side, establishing himself as a solid centre back in Europe.
Known for his physical approach to the game, Hoedt is a centre back by trait, who loves to dominate his box in the air. Standing over 6 feet tall, he can win most balls in the air. To add to it, he is an excellent passer of the ball over long distances, which allows him to release pressure early.
He is aggressive but hardly lunges into senseless tackles but neither does he refrain from putting his body in line, making him a perfect player for the English game.
Southampton are looking at Hoedt as a replacement for his international team mate Virgil van Dijk, who is widely expected to join Liverpool this summer. But Everton are now looking at him as a backup option for their first team.
Ronald Koeman is expected to use Ashley Williams and Michael Keane as the first choice centre backs next season while Phil Jagielka remains the only senior backup in the squad. Roberto Funes Mori is not expected to be back from injury anytime soon, which will mean that Hoedt will be on the fringes of the first team in his debut at the Goodison Park. But is he the right man for Everton?
