Recent reports from Spanish outlet AS suggest that Everton are all set to battle out the likes of Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of 26-year-old Napoli striker, Arkadiusz Milik.
Having fallen out of favour under Gennaro Gattuso, the Polish striker seems to have his heart set on a move away from San Paolo, as he has shown no interest to extend his contract which expires next summer.
Scouting Arkadiusz Milik: Strengths and Weaknesses
Semi-occasionally used at Napoli in the first couple of years due to the presence of veteran striker Gonzalo Higuain, the Pole made a stunning breakthrough in the 2018/19 season (his first full season in three years) under Carlo Ancelotti, bagging 20 goals and 4 assists across all competitions. The Italian coach could play him to his clear-cut strengths which saw him emerge as a complete striker as he dropped deep, moved into dangerous spaces, and linked up the play. In the following season, he managed to score 14 goals in 35 appearances as groin and muscle injuries sidelined him for large chunks of the season.
Despite all the goods he has ever done, one cannot deny the fact that he’s not a reliable option at all, especially given his history of unfortunate long-term injuries. A sporadic role might help him get back in form, blossom and live to his full potential.
(Stats from whoscored)
What will he bring to the Merseyside club?
Dominic Calvert Lewin and Cenk Tosun are Everton’s only striking options. While the former is currently leading the golden boot race, having scored 11 goals in 12 appearances, the latter could never convince the fans that he can step up and deliver during crucial times. As a result, he could be on his way back to Besiktas after three long years at the club.
Milik, on the other hand, having already hit his peak under Carlo Ancelotti once can add depth to this side that looks extremely likely to secure European football this season. While he might struggle to cope up with the physical nature of Premier League, regular calls off the bench and starts in less-important Cup and European fixtures might bring the best out of him.
The Italian’s 4-3-3 formation consisting of inverted wingers and fullbacks high up the pitch has always turned out to be highly beneficial for the striker, giving them an aerial advantage in the box. Standing at 1.86m, he can easily be the target-man for his side, quite similar to the Englishman’s presence on the pitch.
