Everton are being linked with a loan move for Chelsea defensive ace Kurt Zouma as Marco Silva looks to zero in on defensive reinforcements with the transfer deadline fast approaching. The 23-year-old has been unable to clinch a place in the Blues’ first-team so far but has gained a lot of experience out on loan over the past few years.
Zouma has already had two loan spells away at Saint-Etienne and Stoke City respectively since his arrival in West London. However, he had to go through the heartbreak of being relegated with the Potters last season. It is no secret that the Lyon-born talent is still learning his trade and is on the verge of hitting his peak years soon.
Linked With A Switch To Goodison Park But Do The Toffees Need A Defender?
Jagielka is not getting any younger while Holgate has had disciplinary problems in the past. Moreover, Keane is yet to live up to all the hype surrounding his arrival at Goodison Park while Pennington is still unproven at the top level. Hence, there is no doubt that Everton needs a new centre-back who can come in and steady the ship going into the new season.
What Will Zouma Offer To This Current Everton Team?
The French defender has already earned a wealth of experience at the highest level. He made 64 appearances in the French top-flight with four goals and one assist to his name. The 23-year-old has also featured in 81 matches in the Premier League with Stoke City and Chelsea over the last few campaigns meaning that he won’t take a lot of time to settle in at Goodison Park if the potential loan move goes through by the end of tomorrow.
Zouma has all the makings of a modern defender and boasts incredible pace and power. He is also aerially dominant and is a hard-working defender making him an ideal fit for Silva’s Everton team. The French prospect has proven in the past that he has what it takes to win with two Premier League medals and one League Cup triumph to his name so far. He has also won the French Cup during his time at Saint-Etienne, and so he will bring a winning mentality which the Merseyside outfit is in dire need of at the moment.
Will Zouma Fit Marco Silva’s Style of Play?
The Everton manager is known for his attacking and fluid style of play which he has already showcased during his time at Watford. Silva is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation more often than not, with his defenders keeping a high line and pressing high up the pitch. Zouma’s pace will be a significant asset as he can track back when a ball is played behind the Everton backline.
We have already seen Jagielka struggle as he doesn’t have the pace to track runs effectively anymore. Hence, the addition of the French talent will be a significant improvement over what Silva has to choose from, as of this moment.
