With the Premier League set to return soon, the clubs are making a last-ditch attempt to evaluate their squad between now and the end of the season. However, Everton feel that they need a centre-back to bolster their defence next season and have thus identified Chelsea player Kurt Zouma. The Express mentions that the Merseyside club are vying for the signature of the central-defender, as Carlo Ancelotti plans to approach the new season with renewed vigour.
What would Zouma add at Everton?
The 25-year-old has featured in 22 matches for the London side this season but now could be considered as a surplus to the requirements of the club. The French international has a massive physical stature, which helps him in taking control of the defence. Although his lack of concentration has been blamed for his average defending at times, there are other aspects of the player, which would be ideal for Everton.
Zouma’s ball distribution is praiseworthy as he has completed 87.3% of his passes in the Premier League this term. The numbers are even higher in the Champions League, and this has helped manager Frank Lampard in ensuring that the buildup play from the back has a solid base.
As we have already stated, his massive stature helps him take a leap in the air and to dominate the opposition forwards. Moreover, being at the heart of the Chelsea defence, Zouma has amassed four clearances per game in the league. This coupled with 1.9 interceptions per 90 minutes, make him look like a decent defender, although his fragilities are not portrayed in these figures.
The Frenchman, on many occasions, is rash in his tackling and therefore prone to committing fouls, costing his side dearly. Zouma is averse to committing his body in his tackles, and that can be often portrayed as half-hearted attempts. All these issues must have irked the Chelsea management, provoking the club to put him on the transfer list.
Should Everton chase him?
The English side have mostly played with Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate at the heart of their defence. However, this season they have conceded 46 goals in the league languishing at the twelfth place while eleventh placed Crystal Palace have been scored against 32 times. Further, thirteenth place Newcastle United have also conceded only 41 goals, thus highlighting the shambolic defensive record of the Italian gaffer’s side.
Kurt Zouma, in this regard, can be considered as a high profile signing as the French player would undoubtedly uplift the quality of the Everton defence. He would seal one of the two centre-back slots of the club, while the other one would be up for grabs. Thus, we may conclude by saying that Everton should certainly go all out if they have even an iota of a chance to land the Chelsea defender permanently in the off-season.
Stats from Whoscored.
