Anecdotes of Everton’s form this season is absolutely riveting, to say the least, considering how they have reconstructed themselves from the cauldron of mediocrity. The Toffees have gone toe-to-toe with the Premier League heavyweights under the nearly impeccable tutelage of Ronald Koeman, adding strength to strength and have let the rays of hope kiss the forever vocal and passionate crowd of the Goodison Park.
Having collected 50 points from 29 games in the top flight of English football, Everton are placed 7th on the chart level on points with Arsenal, although they have played a couple of games more than the Gunners. One of the top notch performers for Koeman has been striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian international has bagged 23 goals and clocked 6 assists and has been an irreplaceable name as far as the predating role is concerned.
However, Everton are likely to fall prey to the temptations of money which they are seemingly likely to receive for the 23-year-old, with reports suggesting that Chelsea are plotting a £60million bid for luring him to the Stamford Bridge and mind you, the transfer market is yet to open. In a scenario like this, it would be important for the former Southampton manager to start jotting prospective targets and Leeds United’s prolific goal-getter, Chris Wood, is one of the names to be linked with a move to Everton.
Wood has been a revelation under Garry Monk’s regime with the Whites, scoring 24 goals and bagging 2 assists in 36 games in the Championship in what is turning out to be a scintillating season for his club. The New Zealand international’s stocks have rapidly risen and he has constructed himself as one of the hottest properties which the second tier of English football has on offer. Should the summer transfer window be an ideal opportunity for Everton to acquire his services?
Wood is a player with a decent pedigree and is a centre-forward who thrives on clinical finishing ability. His strong physicality enables him to hold the ball up front and more often than not, he becomes troublesome to contain in the penalty box. Moreover, the former Leicester City hitman has the requisite pace and draws his teammates forward in the final third. Irrespective of whether Lukaku leaves Everton or not, signing someone like Wood would hold paramount importance for the Merseyside club to better their credentials further and challenge for European spots.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.
