According to a recent print edition of Tuttosport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen on a summer move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this summer. The same source has also stated that the Toffees head coach is ‘insisting’ for the French playmaker before the start of the new campaign with Juventus set to demand around €30m for his services (via Sport Witness).
Rabiot’s Disappointing Debut Season At Turin
The Saint-Maurice born midfield ace has endured an underwhelming spell at the Allianz Stadium since making a switch from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. He has often struggled to produce consistent performances at the heart of Maurizio Sarri’s midfield during this campaign. The French sensation has taken part in 24 matches for the Turin outfit this term, securing a total of 1550 minutes of game time in the process. However, he has no goals or assists to show for his efforts on all fronts which showcases his dismal season in Italy so far.
Rabiot has impressed in patches after averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 0.5 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Serie A and the UEFA Champions League this season (stats via whoscored). However, he has looked far from his best which is why a change of scenery this summer could help him make a fresh start and rediscover his old form in Europe.
The 25-year-old workhorse has also made five senior appearances for the French national team but is still waiting to net his first international goal for his homeland. However, a summer move to Goodison Park could provide him with a platform to secure regular first-team opportunities in the upcoming campaign. He could be well-motivated to do so as it will allow him to catch the attention of Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps ahead of next year’s UEFA European Championship finals.
What Does The Serie A Midfielder Bring To The Table?
Rabiot is a well-rounded midfield talent as he tends to work on a bit of everything at the centre of the park. He can use his quickness and agility to make some driving runs with the ball in the opposition half and is also not afraid to get stuck in with a few challenges to win the ball back for his team. The five-time France international excels at interchanging possession with his teammates without losing the ball as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 91% in the Serie A this season (stats via whoscored). Hence, he should have no trouble fitting into Ancelotti’s brand of football at Merseyside.
Is Rabiot The Right Choice For The Toffees?
However, there are some concerns over his recent form and whether he can show enough character to make a strong comeback next season. Rabiot has all the attributes required to have a successful spell in the Premier League while working with a highly successful manager like Ancelotti at Goodison Park. He will not only instil some quality and stability to the Everton midfield but also improve the overall depth of their squad.
The talented Frenchman will offer some much-needed competition for the likes of Fabian Delph, Andre Gomes, Tom Davies, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Morgan Schneiderlin following their collective struggles in the English top-flight this season. Furthermore, he will also bring a winning mindset to Ancelotti’s dressing room which might help the Toffees boss incorporate a winning culture at Merseyside in the years to come.
With all things considered, it makes sense for Everton to cough up €30m to lure Rabiot to the north-west of England this summer as it could end up being a shrewd piece of business for them if Ancelotti can get the best out of him in the coming seasons.
