In a recent report, Le 10 Sport has mentioned that Everton are among several clubs hoping to sign AS Saint-Etienne winger Denis Bouanga this summer. The Toffees will have to compete with the likes of AC Milan, Valencia, Real Betis, Atalanta and AS Roma in pursuit of the Gabonese wide player in this off-season (via Le 10 Sport).
Bouanga’s Impressive Form In French Football Last Season
The 25-year-old has built a glowing reputation at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and did well to put in a handful of excellent performances on the left flank, as a key component of Claude Puel’s first-team. He ended the last campaign with 12 goals and five assists to his name in 36 matches for Saint-Etienne across all fronts.
The Le Mans-born wing wizard has made a bright start to this Ligue 1 season as well after helping his side secure a 2-0 victory over FC Lorient at the back end of last month. Bouanga proved his worth as a consistent performer for the French side as he averaged 3.0 shots, 0.7 key passes and 2.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in the French top-flight last season. However, the 11-time Gabonese international was sloppy when interchanging possession with his teammates in the opposition half as evident from his pass completion rate of 72.4% in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Ligue 1 wide player has the potential to break into the world-class bracket within the next few years. However, for that to happen, Bouanga needs to secure a move away from Saint-Etienne so that he can test himself at the highest level.
What Will The Gabonese Wing Wizard Bring To Merseyside?
Bouanga is one of the quickest dribblers in the French top tier and has a good football IQ that helps him take up some promising positions in the decisive end of the field. He can be a constant menace for the opposition defenders due to his knack for scoring goals from the left flank. The Gabonese sensation has often been deployed as a left-sided wide player, but is versatile enough to play on the other wing if required.
Is Bouanga The Right Fit For Carlo Ancelotti’s Side?
Recruiting Bouanga could prove to be a smart buy for the Toffees as he will bring some much-needed depth to Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking department at Goodison Park. He will increase competition for the likes of Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott and Bernard in the race to secure a regular starting berth at Merseyside next season.
At 25, Bouanga is about to embark upon the prime stage of his playing career. Hence, Ancelotti will fancy his chances of getting the best out of him in the years to come if he can lure him to the north-west of England before the transfer window comes to a halt in October. All in all, Bouanga will be a decent fit for the Toffees as he will be able to help them challenge for a European place in the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
