In a recent interview with Football Insider, ex-Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has tipped Brighton and Hove Albion’s injured full-back, Tariq Lamptey, to move on in the summer amid recent interest from Everton. Phillips said, “He’s a fantastic young player, it’s no surprise that he’s being linked with some big clubs.
“At the end of the day, it’s not dead. Years and years ago it probably would’ve been but nowadays with the medical side of it, you wouldn’t say so.
“The way they bring these players back so quick and the professionalism of those players who want to get back and do things right.
“I don’t see it as a major issue, if a club wants him now I don’t think being injured for the rest of the season will damage it at all.
“Not just Everton, he’s been linked with other clubs. I still think he could move on in the summer, injured or not, because he’s a quality player.”
Lamptey’s Up And Down Campaign At the American Express Community Stadium
Lamptey has been struggling with a hamstring injury of late, with the Seagulls now ruling him out for the remainder of this campaign after deciding that the player would require surgery. Despite his injury concerns, the London-born sensation deserves a pat on the back for producing some solid displays on the right side of Graham Potter’s defence.
The 20-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Toffees this term, netting one goal and providing three assists in multiple competitions. Lamptey has caught the eye by averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.5 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season. He has even distributed possession accurately, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 78.1% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
What Does The English Right-Back Bring To The Table?
Lamptey has decent pace under his belt and can make a few encouraging runs out on the right-wing. He is proficient at getting himself to the by-line to whip in some inviting crosses into the opponent’s penalty area. The English prospect has shown that he can be a reliable presence at the back as he is a hard man to beat in a 1v1 footrace. Plus, Lamptey can sense the danger quickly and is capable of winning the ball back for his team and making some important clearances inside his half.
Should The Toffees Get Lamptey On Board This Summer?
However, frequent injury problems have halted his progress under Graham Potter at the Amex Stadium recently. Despite the player’s recent struggles, Everton should consider launching a move to get Lamptey on board during the summer transfer window as he will serve as a perfect, long-term successor to Seamus Coleman, who is entering the last legs of his playing career.
The England Under-21 international will undeniably add more quality to the Toffees squad and could prove to be a decent signing for them in the long-run, as long as he can avoid getting injured so often in the coming seasons.
