In a recent print edition, O Jogo revealed that Everton are locked in a three-way battle for SC Braga midfielder Al Musrati this summer. It has been claimed that the Toffees could face competition in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Benfica in pursuit of the Libya international.
Al Musrati’s Decent Run Of Form In Portuguese Football This Season
The 26-year-old has made a solid start to this campaign as he has managed to produce a run of impressive displays at the heart of Braga’s midfield. Al Musrati has found the back of the net once in nine matches for the Portuguese outfit last season across all fronts.
The Braga midfield ace has anchored the midfield with conviction based on his average of 2.9 tackles, 2.0 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after making 84.8% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Portuguese football (stats via whoscored).
Al Musrati’s current deal with Braga is set to expire in the summer of 2026. Hence, the Toffees would have to make a sizable offer if they are serious about winning the race for his services next year.
Is Al Musrati The Right Fit For Everton?
Al Musrati is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side at the centre of the park. He is often quick to scan the danger inside his half and doesn’t hesitate to put his foot through the ball when needed. Al Musrati is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder when his manager asks him to do so.
The 40-time Libya International is proficient at retaining possession well for his team in midfield. However, he is still unproven at the highest level which makes him a risky option for the Toffees to consider either in January or at the end of this campaign.
Still, at 26, the Misurata-born sensation has his peak years ahead of him. Hence, Everton head coach Frank Lampard can expect to unlock the best out of Al Musrati in the coming seasons.
We can expect the Braga star to add more bite and steel to the Merseyside club‘s midfield department. At the very least, he will increase competition for places within Lampard’s squad at Goodison Park. With all things considered, Al Musrati will be a good fit for Everton next year as long as he can make a smooth transition to life in Premier League football.
