In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Everton are locked in a three-way battle for Ajax full-back Noussair Mazraoui. It is believed that the Toffees could face competition in the form of Aston Villa and Leicester City in pursuit of the Morocco international.
Mazraoui’s Excellent Numbers At The Johan Cruijff Arena
Mazraoui is having an impressive campaign in Dutch football as he has been responsible for producing a run of eye-catching performances on the right side of Ajax’s backline. The 24-year-old has registered five goals and three goals in 24 matches for the Dutch club this season across all fronts.
The Leiderdorp-born talent has been a consistent performer at both ends of the field based on his average of 2.0 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.6 clearances, 1.5 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has even been excellent when distributing possession from the right flank after making 86.8% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
What Will Mazraoui Add To Everton Manager Frank Lampard’s Side?
Mazraoui can do a little bit of everything from the right-back position and can also fill in as a central midfielder if needed. He is a solid tackler of the ball and can sense the danger quickly to make some crucial interceptions for his team. The 12-time Morocco international doesn’t take too many risks when clearing the danger at the back. He has also got the eye to play a killer pass in the final third and has managed to chip in by scoring a few important goals in the final third.
Maraoui can even complete some exciting dribbles down the right flank, so he has got the complete package to succeed at a club like Everton. Therefore, Frank Lampard should consider engineering a move to acquire his services this summer. The Ajax could serve as an ideal successor to Seamus Coleman, who is entering the last legs of his career at Goodison Park.
We can expect Maraoui to add a lot of quality to the Toffees‘ first team. Furthermore, the Morocco sensation could help the Merseyside outfit challenge for a top-half finish in the Premier League next season if Lampard can get him on board at the end of this campaign.