According to Euro United (via The Sun), Everton have made an offer to PSG for the services of Thomas Meunier. The Belgian fullback has found first-team chances hard to come by in the French capital and is reportedly eyeing a move away from Parc des Princes.
Everton are one of the clubs linked with a move for Meunier as they look to provide more competition for Seamus Coleman next season. However, the report claims there has been no contact between the two sides, although the Toffees have made an offer.
What can Meunier offer to the table?
Life hasn’t been kind for Meunier following his move to PSG in 2016. The Belgian international is yet to muster 2,000 minutes of league football in any of his three seasons at the club. But, he is recognised as a technically gifted fullback, who loves to sprint forward. Much like Lucas Digne, Meunier can offer extensive attacking support in the final third. He can rotate possession at a quick rate. The 27-year-old has attained over 84% pass accuracy in all of his three seasons in the French top flight.
Meunier is not exactly strong when it comes to defensive phases. But, he can read the game very well, which allows him to intercept passes and thereby, neutralise any potential counter-attacking threats. He has averaged almost one interception per game this season.
Another key aspect of his game is that he is proficient when it comes to retaining possession. Meunier rarely gets dispossessed or caught off-caught by the opposition’s high pressing. And this could make him a tailor-made fit for the fast-paced nature of English football.
Where will Meunier fit into Everton?
What makes Meunier such an appealing target for Everton is that he can offer tactical versatility in the wider areas. Their first-choice right-back Seamus Coleman is more of a one-dimensional fullback, who likes to make overlapping runs and whip in crosses into the box.
Meunier, in that regard, will offer much more versatility in the right-back role. The Belgian can create passing triangles with his partnering attacker and midfielder to ease Everton’s transition. He can also provide width to the attack by staying close to sidelines, which becomes useful especially when playing with heaps of possession.
Furthermore, the ex-Brugge defender is capable of operating in a wide attacking role, giving Silva additional options as far as his tactical choices are concerned. Hence, he will be a smart addition to this Everton side as they aim for the top-four places in the league next season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
