According to RMC Sport, Everton are closely monitoring the progress of OGC Nice midfielder Adrien Tameze. The 25-year-old has been identified as a potential transfer target for manager Marco Silva amid speculations linking Andre Gomes with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Tameze’s solid season at Nice
OGC Nice have had a promising campaign under new manager Patrick Vieira. The Frenchman has consistently managed to keep Les Aiglons at the top end of the league table. And Tameze has been one of the vital components in his system.
The Cameroonian international has made 35 appearances for Nice this season and has built his reputation as an excellent holding midfielder. His partnership with the likes of Wylan Cyprien and Pierre Lees Melou has made Nice one of the most resilient sides in the French top flight.
From a statistical perspective, Tameze has averaged two tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game. He has also attained an excellent pass completion rate of 88%. And a tally of 0.6 key passes per game is not a bad reading for a defensive midfielder.
What Tameze offers on the pitch?
As his statistics would typically suggest, Tameze is a defence-oriented midfielder with incredible work ethic. He loves to commit himself to challenges and has attempted 122 tackles. That is more than any other Nice player this season.
He can read the game quite well, too, with his tally of 55 interceptions only bettered by the two central defenders in Malang Sarr and Christoph Herelle. This could make him a tailor-made fit for Silva’s tactical philosophy, which often requires athleticism and high work ethic.
Another key aspect of Tameze’s game is versatility. Although the Cameroonian is a holding midfielder by trade, he can operate in wide-midfield roles as well. Hence, he can be a valuable component to any Premier League side given the strenuous schedule of English football.
Is Everton a good fit for Tameze?
Tameze is not gifted with technical prowess such as Gomes. But, his high defensive work-rate could potentially make him an ideal replacement for Idrissa Gueye.
The Senegalese international has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer. Manchester United are already plotting a £40m swoop for the 29-year-old as they aim to refresh their midfield unit next season.
The departure of Gueye will be a massive blow for the Toffees. Tameze, to that end, can be groomed into a perfect alternative for the Everton midfielder. And at the age of 25, Tameze has time on his side and should be a smart long-term investment for the Merseyside giants.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
