William Carvalho: A look at the Everton target
Pre-season is in full swing, Everton have had time in Austria and are now back at Finch Farm where Koeman will be assessing his new squad.
A position the Dutchman is thought to be unhappy with is his midfield.
Whilst Koeman is targeting midfielders who are capable of offering an attacking threat, he’s also had an eye on those who are more defensively minded. Gareth Barry is the only standout option at the club, so you can see why he wants to strengthen the position.
Muhamed Besic can also play defensively, although, injuries and inconsistency have slowed the Bosnian’s progression at Everton. I also believe Besic offers more going forward than Barry.
Barry, now 35, was one of a few positive points from last season. The veteran was written off a year ago, only to prove the critics wrong by winning the Players Player of the season and Fans’ Player of the season.
He played 33 times in the league last season, 2837 minutes in total, and was relied on far too much by Roberto Martinez. Will he have the legs to do the same this season? I don’t think so.
Now, Koeman is said to be targeting William Carvalho to bolster his options.
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The 24-year-old currently plays for Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, last seasons runners-up in the Primeira Liga, and has been linked with a move to Everton over the past few weeks.
The midfield anchor has impressed domestically and internationally which has seen him as a target for some of Europe’s big clubs. Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid are just a few amongst many who have registered an interest in recent years.
At 18, Carvalho was dubbed as one of Portugal’s stars; one of the country’s most promising players, and he’s living up to that.
Six years on since his emergence from various loan spells, he has become an influential part of his side and has impressed both Paulo Bento and Fernando Santos, former and current Portugal managers. So much so, Carvalho has gone onto make 25 international caps.
At international level Carvalho holds an impressive record over the past two years. He’s won the European Championships at U21 and first team level. For the U21’s he was awarded as the player of the tournament.
Carvalho regularly dominates opposition midfield’s with his stature; which he uses smartly, as opposed to your average ‘brute’. He has also been praised highly for his anticipation and ability to read the game.
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani possess an attacking threat, and certainly get the plaudits for it, but Carvalho’s job; the rock in front of the defence, is just as important for Portugal.
He played a notable role as his country shocked Europe to glory as they beat the hosts, France, 1-0 after extra time.
A fee of £35million would be enough to activate Carvalho’s release clause, a fee which was bumped up from £29million after he signed a new deal in February.
Vs Gareth Barry
Gareth Barry | William Carvalho | |
---|---|---|
Date of Birth | 23 February 1981 (age 35) | 7 April 1992 (age 24) |
Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | 1.87 m (6 ft 1 1⁄2 in) |
Weight | 78kg | 83kg |
League Caps | 595 | 147 |
League Goals | 50 | 13 |
International Caps | 53 | 25 |
International Goals | 3 | 0 |
Now 35, and with only a year left on his contract, this season could be Barry’s last. A player, who let’s be honest, was massively overused by Martinez is in desperate need of someone to take some weight off his shoulders.
Last season, Barry won 43% of his tackles, whilst Carvalho was successful in 67%. The Angolan-born midfielder also won more headed duels (69%), than Barry (67%).
However, Barry completed a higher percentage of take-ons and committed less fouls than Carvalho. Overall, Carvalho came out on top in duels, he won 57% with Barry winning 50%.
Carvalho completed 81% of his passes last term, bettered slightly by Barry with 82%. Although, only 71.4% of Barry’s were forward passes, considerably lower than his counterparts 80.9%.
*Note: Carvalho’s statistics are based from his Europa league performances due to availability. Barry’s were based on his performances in the Premier League.
For me, Carvalho would be a perfect signing, one who could come in and be the long-term replacement for Barry. Even if £35million, his release clause, is wanted from Sporting Lisbon, I believe it’d be a better deal than paying £30million for Zenit’s Axel Witsel.