A headstrong display against Liverpool went in vain for Everton when a bizarre late goal saw them suffering heartbreak in last Sunday’s Merseyside derby. But the Anfield clash must uplift the spirit among Evertonians who are witnessing a massive upsurge under Marco Silva.
The young Portuguese tactician has not only re-established them into an admirable English force but also a contender to make it to the league’s ‘top six’ alongside the heavyweights. Their summer business have been spot on, but the gaffer is still keen on reinforcements amid rumours of an interest in Uruguayan teenager Edgar Elizalde, as reported by FcInternews.
The 18-year-old Pescara centre-back is rated quite highly in Italy and has been a long-term transfer target of Internazionale. However, the Dolphins president has also highlighted Juventus’ interest in their pulsating prospect and the Toffees, therefore, should expect a monumental battle to rope the youngster in.
Elizalde moved to Abruzzo from his boyhood side Montevideo Wanderers last summer and made his senior debut against Brescia more than a year back as a late substitute replacing Marco Perrotta. The left-footed defensive ace is also competent enough to feature as a left fullback, and the versatility he brings in has caught the eyes of big guns of Europe who have kept close tabs on his progress.
Everton, meanwhile, have found a strong and stable centre-back duo in Michael Keane and Yerry Mina but lack proper depth in youth ranks capable of making strides to stake a claim in senior football. Mason Holgate is an emerging asset but has found his minutes limited over the past few months. Skipper Phil Jagielka, 36, is at the twilight of his career whereas Kurt Zouma, the Chelsea loanee, is keen on returning to his parent club upon completion of his temporary switch.
Both Keane and Mina are still pretty young and should be retained for years to come. Morgan Feeney, the talented academy centre-back appears to have all traits to shine, but the inclusion of Elizalde would provide competition for first-team football which, in turn, should improve the overall quality of their current squad.
The player, a regular at the U-17s a couple of years back, could very possibly represent his nation in next month’s U20 South American Championships in Chile. There he would be scouted furthermore amid a destined career move in the near future. Although the big boys from Serie A seem to be a preferred destination, Elizalde must come out of his comfort zone and embrace the excitement of Premier League football where he would have his minutes at a senior level while representing the People’s Club.
