Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating the new era at their football club following the appointment of Marco Silva as the new Toffees manager last month.
The Portuguese had been out of work since losing his job at Watford back in January, with the Hornets firmly laying the blame at the feet of Everton for their approaches for the 40-year-old after their decision to part with Ronald Koeman. Regardless, the Merseyside outfit now have their man after relieving Sam Allardyce of his duties at the conclusion of last season, this all despite leading the Toffees to an eighth place finish in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, there are many optimistic and expectant Evertonians in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be intrigued by recent reports suggesting that Arsenal have made a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
And this must be of interest to the Toffees hierarchy as well, as an ambitious deal for the £22.5 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) would finally solve a key problem at Goodison Park in the defensive ranks.
Ultimately, the Merseysiders were pretty average at the back last season in shipping 58 goals in their 38 Premier League matches, which was more than any side that finished above them in the table, and indeed more than two of the three relegated teams in Swansea City and West Brom.
Thus, it’s pretty clear that Silva has to sort the defensive department out if the Toffees are to mount any sort of challenge on the top six places this season, but the current options don’t inspire a great deal of confidence given Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka, and Michael Keane didn’t enjoy the best of seasons last time round.
And with question marks over Ramiro Funes Mori’s fitness and future, there are huge doubts regarding the ability of the current crop of centre backs at Goodison Park, which is why an ambitious move for Chelsea’s Luiz is needed this summer.
Yes, the Brazil international struggled for regular football under Antonio Conte last season, but one mustn’t forget that the campaign before saw the 31-year-old play an instrumental part in helping the Blues win the Premier League title, with Luiz forming quite the partnership with Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta in Conte’s back three.
Thus, it’s clear that the defender still retains huge ability at Premier League level and could be exactly what Everton need this season, as although there were question marks over his defensive capabilities prior to his return to England, he banished those in the 2016/17 season.
And were Silva to potentially use a back three this term, or even if he were to stick with the tried-and-tested back four, Luiz would be an invaluable addition in either system such are his defensive abilities, but also his adeptness on the ball in picking out a pass and seeking to launch attacks.
As such, not only would an ambitious move for the Brazilian ace be a huge statement of intent, but significantly it would go some way to solving a key issue at Everton in the defensive ranks, an issue which has arguably been evident for some time.
Thus, it’s a move they must seek to make this summer.
Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!
