Everton had a pretty decent start to their season under Ronald Koeman and are sitting sixth in the table after nine game weeks with 15 points but things could be much better for the Toffees. With a manager like Ronald Koeman in charge and the funding of a cash-rich owner like Farhad Moshiri, there is a sense that the coming few seasons could be big at the Blue half of Merseyside and we can expect the Toffees to make a number of big signings in the next few transfer windows.
According to The Mirror, Everton are lining up a January move for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman as manager Ronald Koeman looks to replace veteran Gareth Barry in the long run. Barry has started the season really well at Goodison Park alongside summer signing Idrissa Gueye but he is 35 now and won’t be around forever.
Everton eventually will have to start considering life without their trusted midfield general and Strootman would be a brilliant successor to the Englishman.
Just a few years back, Strootman was one of the most talked about midfielders in Europe with a number of big clubs looking for his signature. His value has taken a nose dive after a series of nasty injuries over the last two and half years but he is looking sharp once again this season after his recovery. Still only 26, he can still offer plenty on the big stage if injuries do not haunt him.
Kevin Strootman is a perfect modern-day central midfielder who has pretty much all the abilities that you’d expect from your midfielder. A tough tackler and someone who can read the game really well, Strootman provides solid protection for the back four from midfield. With his frame of 6 ft 1 1⁄2 in, he is aerially very strong.
The Dutch international, who now serves his nation with the armband, has brilliant balance. His vision and passing ability are top-notch, which help when the team is making its forward forays.
The 26-year-old is a player who likes to control the tempo of the game. He can also find his teammates with a defence-splitting pass from 30 or 40 yards far. Physically strong, tactically and technically sound and a pass-master, the Dutchman can be a long-term success at Goodison Park if they can manage to sign him.
Strootman’s best years are still ahead of him. He was always destined for big things and can still achieve the heights if he is lucky with his fitness. If the Toffees can secure his signature, it’d be one hell of a deal as the Dutchman was linked with some big clubs before his nightmarish injury spell.
