Everton: What now for Davy Klaassen?
The 25-year-old Everton midfielder has failed to make a mark on Merseyside – but is an exit likely?
Davy Klaassen’s introduction as a substitute in Everton’s draw against Southampton drew one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon on an otherwise dour day at Goodison Park.
The Dutch midfielder got ten minutes of action – his first appearance in the league since March. He has only played six Premier League matches this season.
Klaassen’s debut season in English football has been a disaster. His lack of influence is only made to look worse by his £23.6 million transfer fee. The management has been rather dismissive of him too.
After a loan deal to Napoli broke down in January, Sam Allardyce suggested that Klaassen had a mercenary outlook. Discussing the transfer break down, Allardyce said to The Guardian:
"That’s the power of the player with the agent. There is nothing else we can do about [the failed transfer]. If I’m sat in that position and have an agent, the agent works for me, not the other way round. For me it would never have been a financial decision. Even if I was losing money I’d be going because I’d want to play football."
Assessing Klaassen’s Everton potential
It’s surprising therefore that Klaassen seems to be going nowhere in the summer.
Last week, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright insisted that the Blues’ deadweight 2017-18 transfers would be given more time at the club. Kenwright said to the Liverpool Echo that Klaassen will be at Everton next season. His specific squad role was left undiscussed.
If he is staying, what can we expect from Klaassen next year?
Considering his Ajax performances, Klaassen prefers to play as a box-to-box playmaker. This is shown by both a high rate of defensive actions and chances created according to Squawka.
Herein lies the crux of the problem in his transition to English football. As mentioned by Ronald Koeman to The Daily Telegraph soon after Klaassen’s signing, the 25-year-old could lack the strength and dynamism to play in the Premier League.
These, of course, are two necessary aspects of a box-to-box midfielder’s skillset in the top flight.
Essentially, Klaassen was signed to play in a Gareth Barry shaped hole in the Everton midfield. Yet, he does not have the guile or physicality to do this properly. This was on display against Southampton, as Klaassen failed to challenge Nathan Redmond’s 60 yard run in the closing minutes.
Moreover, he generally seemed to lack the anticipation to get open when Everton had possession. All in all, it was not an eye-catching cameo.
The offseason therefore will be a defining period in Klaassen’s development. If he benefits from summer strength and conditioning, he could return a different player.
After all, his captaincy, and prolific scoring at Ajax, shows he has the leadership potential, and raw skill to succeed at the top-level. If he can’t get to grips with the intensity of the Premier League soon though, he likely never will.
In all honesty, I was surprised to hear Kenwright’s recent comments, and see Klaassen’s play against Southampton. However, like many Everton fans, I do have a soft spot for the Dutchman.
He didn’t seem to be a gamble on his arrival. With his pedigree and professionalism, I still think that there is still some chance of success.
Considering the dearth of talent in the Everton midfield, and our patchy transfer record in recent seasons, it makes sense to keep Klaassen on at Goodison. Despite his goal against The Saints, Tom Davies has been inconsistent this year, and Idrissa Gueye is no playmaker.
As the Blues look to phase Wayne Rooney out as their go-to pass-master, Klaassen seems the obvious fit. This is of course entirely dependent on whether he can adapt to the Premier League next year.
Next: Everton limp to feeble 1-1 draw in last home game
His first Everton season has been terrible, but Davy Klaassen likely has a second chance at Goodison. It is key though that the coaching staff prioritise his physical development in the offseason. With some help, Klaassen could yet rediscover his Ajax form.