Everton are actively in the market for a new forward. Either it could be because of the lack of quality up front except for Romelu Lukaku at the Merseyside club or Ronald Koeman’s recent statement expressing that Lukaku is a better player and could flourish at a bigger club, that he is looking to bring in a new forward this January.
Various reports have led to the surfacing of two forwards who could help Everton to a top half finish this season. They are Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini and Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay. T4O takes a look at who would be a better option for Koeman up front for the second half of the season.
Tailor-made for the kind of football Ronald Koeman likes, Gabbiadini is technically and tactically a solid player and can ply his trade anywhere across the attacking third. He is primarily a number nine but his vision and work rate make him useful as a number ten or on either flank. With Gabbiadini on board, Everton will have the option to switch to a two-man attack when needed. The fact he is only 24 years old will also make the Italian to be a long-term prospect.
On the other hand, Depay is one of the complete attackers when at his best. He has the perfect blend of agility on the flanks and composure while dribbling past opponents. Whether its direct free-kicks, providing a defence-piercing pass or through balls, Depay can do it all. Two major advantages Depay have over Gabbiadini is one year of Premier league experience and his technical skills on the ball are undoubtedly better than the Italian.
But the problem with Depay is, unlike Gabbiadini whose current club is willing to let him go for a good deal, Manchester United are unlikely to let him go to Everton. They might send him on a loan to get the Netherland international’s engine running. Another problem has been Gabbiadini’s form. With 22 goals in 70 match career at Napoli, the Italian is quite an unproven prospect and with the likes of Italian striker Simone Zaza failing in the league recently, it is a risky option.
We think Depay would be a better option on the wings if he comes to Everton and he has the potential to take the club to dizzier heights. Besides, he will provide stiff competition to the likes of Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu, who haven’t really impressed this season despite getting their fair share of chances.
Being a compatriot of Depay, Koeman could try to include a permanent buy clause in the loan deal and Depay might want to play under him. His career at Manchester United is anyway far from good as he is hardly getting chances under Jose Mourinho.
