According to a recent report by L’Equipe (subscription required), Everton are set to rival Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of Lazio midfielder Adam Marusic this summer (via Get French Football News). The same source has stated that PSG are hoping to reach a €15m agreement for the Montenegro international, but the Toffees are also orchestrating a deal of their own to bring the player to the north-west of England in this off-season.
Marusic’s Underwhelming Season In Italian Football
Marusic’s current contract at the Stadio Olimpico runs out in the summer of 2022 but a poor run with injuries this season has put his long-term future at the Italian capital in doubt. He has only made ten appearances for Lazio this term, scoring two goals in the process across all competitions. The Montenegrin wide player has missed a significant chunk of this campaign due to a thigh injury and later, a muscle problem which explains why he has only received a total of 686 minutes of playing time so far.
The 27-year-old has averaged 0.8 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per game in the Serie A this season which highlights his all-round efforts down the right flank (stats via whoscored).
The Beograd-born talent has also secured 27 senior caps for the Montenegro national side but is yet to net his first goal for his homeland. Maybe a summer switch to Merseyside could offer him the chance to make a fresh start and find some form for both his club and country in the years to come.
What Will The Montenegrin Speedster Bring To Goodison Park?
Marusic can use his pace and power to make some decent runs with the ball down the right flank. He has a low centre of gravity and possesses the upper-body strength to shield the ball and keep possession ticking in the opposition half. The Serie A wide player also works hard both on and off the ball which makes him a worthy squad player under the tutelage of Simone Inzaghi. However, he needs to improve his end-product if he intends to become a top player in his position someday.
Due to his poor injury record, there are some concerns over his long-term health, so the Toffees would be making a huge gamble if they decide to orchestrate a move to recruit him before the start of the new season. He will not only add more pace and variety to Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield but also enhance the overall depth of his squad. Furthermore, he will provide some healthy competition for the likes of Theo Walcott, Bernard and Alex Iwobi in the race to secure a regular starting berth at Merseyside in the years to come.
At 27, Marusic is at that critical stage where his performances in the future will make or break his career. Hence, he will be motivated to do well and could be nurtured into a productive winger if Ancelotti is willing to put his faith in him. At the same time, Everton should consider focussing their attention on recruiting players that have proven their worth at the highest level if they want to challenge for some major silverware in the coming seasons.
