In a recent television segment with SportBILD, renowned journalist Christian Falk revealed that Everton are showing interest in SC Freiburg centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck. Falk has claimed that the Toffees have ‘become aware’ of the German defensive ace ahead of a potential move in the summer (translated by Sport Witness).
Schlotterbeck’s Solid Form In The Bundesliga This Season
Schlotterbeck has enjoyed a decent campaign at the Schwarzwald-Stadion so far after producing a run of impressive displays at the heart of Christian Streich’s defence. The Weinstadt-born sensation has featured in 16 matches for the German outfit this term, picking up two yellow cards in the process across all competitions.
The 23-year-old has given a good account of himself on the defensive end of the pitch as he is averaging 1.4 tackles, 2.0 interceptions and 5.2 clearances per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. He has even been tidy when distributing possession out from the back as evidenced by his pass success rate of 79.3% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
Schlotterbeck has got less than 18 months remaining on his current contract with Freiburg, so Streich will have no choice but to cash in on him at the end of this season or risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
What Will The German Defender Bring To Goodison Park?
Schlotterbeck is a moderately paced centre-half who has good defensive awareness that allows him to make some crucial interceptions for his team. He can also position himself ideally to clear his lines at the back when required.
The German tackler is slowly but surely transforming himself into one of the most important members of Freiburg’s squad. However, Schlotterbeck is yet to prove his worth outside German football, so he might struggle to adapt to the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football if the Toffees decide to move in for him during the upcoming summer transfer period.
Currently, Carlo Ancelotti has got Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey serving as the centre-backs in his match-day squad. Hence, there is no immediate need for the Italian tactician to bring a new defender to Goodison Park this summer as he has already got enough quality in his defensive department.
However, if the Toffees decide to sell one of their current options, then it would make sense for them to engineer a move to recruit Schlotterbeck at the end of this season. At 23, he will have excellent resale value and could prove to be a shrewd signing for the Merseyside outfit in the long-run.
