In Thursday’s print edition, Gazzetta dello Sport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness) has confirmed Everton’s desire to sign Lazio midfielder Adam Marusic, who is valued around €20m, this summer. The same source has revealed that the talented wide player ‘could go to the Premier League’ with the Toffees seen as a potential contender after a ‘precise request’ from Carlo Ancelotti. L’Equipe (subscription required) made a similar claim at the start of this month when they stated that the Merseyside club are competing with Paris Saint-Germain for the Montenegro international’s services during the summer transfer period.
Marusic’s Struggles At The Italian Capital This Season
Marusic’s current deal at Rome expires in the summer of 2022. Still, a series of unfortunate injuries during this campaign has put his long-term future at the Stadio Olimpico in doubt. He has participated in ten matches for Simone Inzaghi’s side this term, registering two goals in the Serie A so far. The 27-year-old has missed out on a significant chunk of this season because of a thigh injury and later, a muscle problem which explains why he has only secured a total of 686 minutes of game time in the Italian top-flight.
The Montenegrin winger has averaged 0.8 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.9 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.6 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season which highlights his lack of consistency down the right flank (stats via whoscored).
The Beograd-born talent has also earned 27 international caps for the Montenegro national side but is still waiting to open his goal-scoring account for his country. Maybe a future move to Goodison Park could provide him with the opportunity to make a fresh start and reignite his career for both club and country in the coming seasons.
What Will The Lazio Midfield Ace Add To Carlo Ancelotti’s Team?
Marusic can utilise his quickness and power to complete a few decent dribbles down the right-wing. He can make clever turns and possesses the upper-body strength to protect the ball in the opposition half. The Serie A wide player can work his socks off both with and without the ball which makes him an ideal squad player for Lazio. However, he needs to find more joy going forward if he intends to become a household name in European football someday.
His poor injury record this season has raised some concerns over his long-term health, so Everton would be taking a significant risk if they end up making an offer to bring him to Merseyside in this off-season. Marusic will not only add more pace and variety to the Toffees senior team but also increase competition for places within their squad. He has what it takes to push the likes of Theo Walcott, Bernard and Alex Iwobi to improve themselves at the north-west of England next season.
At 27, Marusic’s form in the coming years will either make or break his playing career. Thus, the Goodison faithful can expect him to be well-motivated as he searches for more playing minutes at the highest level. Ancelotti might fancy his chances of getting the best out him if the Italian tactician is willing to put his faith in his ability. However, the Toffees will be better off targetting more proven wide players if they are serious about challenging for trophies in the future.
