According to Nice-Matin(via GFFN), Everton are interested in the services of Allan-Saint Maximin. The Toffees are keen to add more options to their attacking department this summer, and the OGC Nice winger has been reportedly identified as one of the key targets.
However, they could face stiff competition from league rivals Crystal Palace and Newcastle United in the pursuit of this highly talented French forward.
What can Saint-Maximin add to the table for Everton?
Saint-Maximin has become one of the key attackers for OGC Nice since joining the club back in 2017. The 22-year-old has made 74 appearances in all competitions, during which he was involved in 24 goals. This season, he was involved in 10, helping Nice finish seventh in the league table.
As far as gameplay is concerned, Saint-Maximin is arguably one of the flashiest wingers in Ligue 1. He loves to take on defenders in the final third. As a matter of fact, he has completed more dribbles than anyone else in the league this season, with an average of a whopping 4.2 dribbles per game.
His nimble footwork and pace allows him to run in behind defences and create crossing opportunities for himself. It also makes him a threat from a counter-attack, with the winger averaging an impressive 1.7 key passes per game this season.
Another key feature of Maximin’s game is his versatility. The youngster is primarily a winger but has mostly featured in a central role this season. He has also mustered over two shots per game, which is indicative of his willingness to test the ‘keeper.
Where does Allan-Maximin fit in at Everton?
Saint-Maximin will be a welcome addition to Liverpool given their lack of depth in attack, especially in the wide-department. The likes of Ademola Lookman and Theo Walcott have struggled to provide consistency. Maximin, in that regard, will revamp their attacking options next season. Also, his versatility in the final third will provide Marco Silva with additional options as far as his tactical choices are concerned.
Most importantly, however, the Frenchman’s pace and counter-attacking threat should tune in well with Silva’s footballing philosophy. And given Maximin’s impressive dribbling prowess, it could be useful for the Toffees when probing the opposition, especially when facing opponents who defend in deep-blocks.
That said, Silva will need to tread carefully here since Maximin is known to be very inconsistent, at times. But, at the age of just 22, he could be a smart investment for the Toffees as they aim to dethrone one of the top six next season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
