According to a recent report by the Chronicle Live (via the Liverpool Echo), Everton are monitoring the progress of Atlanta United centre-forward Josef Martinez. The same source has also stated that the Toffees are keeping a close eye on the Major League Soccer sensation but will face competition from Newcastle United in pursuit of his services.
Martinez’s Incredible Spell At The Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Martinez came through the youth ranks of Caracas FC before making a switch to play in Europe for BSC Young Boys. However, he failed to score goals consistently at the Swiss club and was shipped out to Torino in the summer of 2014. The Venezuela international managed to score 13 goals and create six assists in 76 appearances for the Italian outfit which was enough to earn him a move to Atlanta United back in 2017.
Since joining the MLS, Martinez has enjoyed a rich vein of form in front of the opposition goal. He has netted 86 goals and provided nine assists in 95 matches for the American outfit thus far. The 26-year-old is also vastly experienced at the international level, having made 54 appearances for Venezuela while registering 12 goals for his homeland in the process.
The MLS rising star is primarily a centre-forward but can also operate on the left flank or as a secondary striker up top if needed. Hence, Martinez will be a brilliant acquisition for Everton if they decide to make a move to secure his signature in the future.
What Will The Venezuelan Frontman Bring To Merseyside?
Martinez boasts electric pace which allows him to dribble with the ball at high speed in the final third. He can also make some clever runs behind the opposition defence by beating the off-side trap.
The South American sensation has managed to transform himself into a consistent goal-scorer in Major League Soccer. However, the jury is still out on whether he can be as effective when asked to lead the line in a physical and high intense league like the English top-flight.
The addition of a prolific goal-getter like Martinez could help ease Marco Silva’s goal-scoring problems at Goodison Park. Both Moise Kean and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled to find the back of the net consistently for the Toffees at the highest level. Cenk Tosun is also on the fringes of Silva’s squad at Merseyside. Therefore, Martinez can be a decent signing for them who will not only add more goals to their frontline but will also improve the overall depth of the Everton squad.
