Everton supporters have spent much of the summer discussing high-profile attacking targets, but the club’s reported interest in Sander Berge may prove to be the most important piece of business completed this summer.
The Norway international delivered another reminder of his quality in last night’s 3-2 World Cup victory over Senegal, producing a commanding midfield display that underlined why he remains one of the Premier League’s most underrated central midfielders.
While the focus naturally fell on Erling Haaland and Norway’s attacking threat, Berge’s contribution was equally significant. He provided control, physicality and composure throughout the contest, helping Norway dictate periods of possession and maintain their structure against an athletic Senegal side.
For Everton and David Moyes, it was another example of why Berge could be the ideal fit for the next stage of the rebuild.
Core issue: Everton still need greater control in midfield
Despite some signs of progress under Moyes, Everton’s midfield remains an area that requires strengthening.
Idrissa Gueye continues to perform at a high level, while James Garner established himself as a key figure last season. However, the squad still lacks a midfielder capable of consistently controlling matches through a combination of defensive awareness, ball progression and physical presence.
That issue became apparent at various points throughout the campaign, particularly against opponents capable of dominating possession.
Everton often relied on organisation and resilience rather than sustained periods of control with the ball. While that approach helped earn some decent results, the next step in Moyes’ project will require players who can help the team dictate games rather than just react to them.
Berge appears well suited to solving that problem.
Having already accumulated significant Premier League experience with Sheffield United, Burnley, and now Fulham, he possesses a detailed understanding of the division’s demands. At 6ft 5in, he offers an obvious physical advantage, but his game has always been about more than athleticism.
His ability to receive the ball under pressure and move it forward efficiently has become one of his greatest strengths.
Why Berge’s qualities fit perfectly into Moyes’ system
The performance against Senegal highlighted several qualities that would immediately benefit Everton.
Berge repeatedly positioned himself to receive possession from deeper areas before helping Norway progress attacks through midfield. He also covered significant ground defensively, breaking up transitions and protecting his back line when required.
Those are precisely the qualities Moyes values most in central midfielders.
Ball progression
Everton often lacked a consistent route through midfield last season. Berge’s ability to carry possession forward and link defence to attack phases would help address that issue.
Defensive security
Despite his technical qualities, Berge remains an excellent defensive presence. His size, reading of the game and positional discipline allow him to protect space in front of the back four.
Tactical flexibility
Perhaps most importantly, he can operate in multiple midfield roles.
Whether deployed as the deepest midfielder, as part of a double pivot or in a more advanced role, Berge provides tactical flexibility that would give Moyes extra options throughout the season.
Why this move could prove more valuable than a headline signing
Every transfer window produces players who generate excitement through their reputation. Berge is not one of those and is unlikely to dominate social media discussions in the same way as Grealish or Balogun, but successful recruitment is rarely about headlines.
It is about identifying players who solve problems.
The Norway international appears capable of doing exactly that.
His display against Senegal reinforced the qualities he has demonstrated consistently throughout his career: composure under pressure, intelligence with and without the ball and the ability to influence matches.
Those attributes may not always attract widespread recognition, but are always needed in a successful team.
If Everton are serious about building a squad capable of progressing under Moyes, then recruiting players who improve the collective should take priority over chasing attention-grabbing names. And they, of course, know that.
On that basis, if it happens, Sander Berge may prove to be the smartest signing Everton make all summer.
