According to TF1 (via the reputed GFFN), Everton are one of the clubs linked with a move for Adrien Rabiot. The PSG midfielder is set to leave the club after running down his contract, meaning he will be available for free this summer. And it is believed that both Manchester United and Everton are in active discussion with Rabiot’s entourage.
Rabiot’s disappointing season at PSG
It has been a nightmarish season for Rabiot following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel last summer. The German mastermind has often overlooked the talented midfielder and has favoured his countryman Julian Draxler instead.
However, Rabiot was a first-team regular during the first half of the campaign. But that was before he reached an impasse with PSG over a new contract extension and tried to engineer his way away from the club in January.
And quite naturally, the Frenchman was blocked from training and hasn’t been a part of the PSG starting lineup since the turn of the year. Overall he has made 14 league appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
What can Rabiot bring to the table?
Despite his struggles this past season, Rabiot is advertised as a creative individual, who is proficient in distributing possession. He has notably attained over 90% or more pass completion rate in each of the past four seasons in the French top flight.
Rabiot is quite comfortable with the ball and rarely loses possession. He is also known for making smart use of his quick feet, which allows him to wriggle his way through tight situations.
Defensively, the Frenchman is a strong and aggressive tackler. He has failed to average two or more tackles per game only once in the past five seasons at the club. And this is indicative of his willingness to win back possession for his team. Additionally, the 24-year-old is quite versatile as he can operate either as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder.
Where does Rabiot fit in at Everton?
A player like Rabiot can be a precious commodity for any team in the world. And Everton will be no difference. The Toffees will undoubtedly be boosted by the arrival of the Frenchman, who can be the ideal midfield partner to Idrissa Gueye.
He is also tailor-made for Silva’s tactical philosophy at the Goodison Park given his aggression, tackling and excellent ball distribution. Hence, there is no doubt he will be a stunning coup for the Merseyside giants this summer.
But, at the same time, Rabiot is unlikely to join Everton as he won’t be able to play Champions League on a regular basis. And considering the quality of the player, a move to Goodison Park might be a step down for the midfielder at the moment.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
