TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has revealed that Everton are genuine contenders for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. It is understood that the Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti will be backed in the transfer market and is eager to get a deal done to bring the Senegalese powerhouse to Merseyside this summer (via talkSPORT’s Alex Crook).
Koulibaly’s Impressive Form At Diego Armando Maradona Stadium
Koulibaly is enjoying a solid campaign with the Naples outfit as he has put in a string of dominant displays at the centre of Gennaro Gattuso’s defence. The France-born defensive ace has taken part in 31 matches for the Italian outfit this term, registering one goal and nine yellow cards in multiple competitions.
The Senegal international has done remarkably well on the defensive end of the field by averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 2.1 clearances and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League. The 29-year-old has hardly given away the ball when distributing it out from defence after completing 89.4% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Koulibaly has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in European football over the past few seasons, so he will be a massive coup for the Toffees if they can engineer a move to land him during the summer transfer period.
What Will The Senegalese Centre-Half Bring To The Table?
Koulibaly can command his penalty area with authority and conviction. He can use his strong 1.87m frame to overpower the opposition and win some important 50-50 aerial duels at the back. The 43-time Senegal international can scan the danger quickly that allows him to earn possession back for his team. Koulibaly can position himself well to clear his lines when needed. He is a decent ball-playing defender and is vastly experienced at the highest level.
Will Koulibaly Be A Dream Signing For Everton?
A centre-back of Koulibaly’s quality will be a dream acquisition for the Toffees if Ancelotti can fund a move to bring him to Goodison Park in this off-season. He will undeniably be a regular starter at Merseyside and would serve as a significant upgrade over any of Ancelotti’s current options in central defence.
Koulibaly could potentially form a dominant defensive partnership with the likes of Yerry Mina or Michael Keane and might propel the Merseyside outfit to securing a top-four place in the Premier League in the coming seasons. At 29, Koulibaly has still got a few good years left in him to play at top gear. Hence, Ancelotti should consider moving in for him when the summer transfer window reopens later this year.
