According to a recent report by Tuttomercatoweb, Everton are the ‘most motivated’ to acquire the services of Cengiz Under from AS Roma this summer. However, the same source has also reported that the Toffees will face fierce competition from Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the Turkish wide player in this off-season. It is understood that a fee of €30m could be enough to get the negotiations rolling for the Serie A playmaker. Still, the price is subject to change due to the economic crisis surrounding the recent COVID-19 outbreak (via Tuttomercatoweb).
Under’s Inconsistent Form At The Stadio Olimpico This Season
Under has experienced an inconsistent campaign in the Italian first division after failing to replicate his productive performances from last season. He has been involved in 20 matches for Paulo Fonseca’s side this term, registering three goals on all fronts. The Turkish wing wizard has struggled to find the finishing touch inside the opposition penalty box which explains his low goal-tally this season.
The ex-Basaksehir prospect has averaged 1.7 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.9 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football but all of his good build-up work has not resulted in any assists which is a concern (stats via whoscored). So maybe a change of scenery this summer could help Under rediscover his goal-scoring and creative touch in the final third.
It is also worth noting that a severe muscle injury had derailed the 22-year-old’s progress in the Italian top-flight before the football world came to an unexpected standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The talented wide player has also secured 20 senior caps for the Turkish national team and has six international goals to show for his efforts. As long as Under can remain fit and healthy, he would be expected to play a crucial role for his nation in the UEFA European Championship which has been postponed until the end of next season.
What Will The Turkish Dribbler Bring To Merseyside?
Under can put his pace and trickery to good use when running behind the opposition backline but needs to be a bit more decisive in the offensive end of the field. He has a low centre of gravity and sensational ball-control that allows him to get to the by-line and whip in some dangerous crosses into the opposition penalty area. The Turkish speedster packs a lot of venom and precision with his shot attempts from longe range but has to figure out a way to be more prolific and creative going forward if he intends to reignite his form at the highest level.
Under’s recent injury record will be a significant concern against any potential move Carlo Ancelotti ends up making for him this summer. However, the fact remains that the Toffees require more quality in the form of attacking reinforcements when the transfer window reopens later this year. It could prove to be a shrewd coup for Everton if they can win the race to land Under this summer. The Turkish international will not only add more pace and trickery to Ancelotti’s frontline but will also provide more competition for places within his squad.
The Italian tactician only has Theo Walcott, Bernard and Alex Iwobi as his wing options at Goodison Park. However, none of these players has found any consistency with their end-product this season. Maybe, Under might not be the best option for the Merseyside club if they are looking for a reliable wide player but at least he is young and has the potential to break into the world-class bracket someday.
Even though Richarlison has also been used as a winger before by Everton’s former manager Marco Silva, yet his services are better of being utilised as a striker up top. Hence, it makes a lot of sense for Ancelotti to splash some cash on Under before the start of the new campaign.
