Everton are looking into the prospect of signing Lucas Ocampos from Sevilla.
Lucas Ocampos is latest player to get linked to Everton joining the long list of players rumoured to move to Goodison this summer. It is true Everton are hunting a right winger in the market and now their eyes are set on Lucas Ocampos of Sevilla. The former Marseille man has had a decent season in Spain and will be watched by many in the Europa League final.
Sevilla are the kings of Europa League. Yet another astounding performance has led them the final, aiming to win their sixth Europa League crown. While players like Sergio Reguilon, Diego Carlos and Ever Banega have been in the limelight, displays by Lucas Ocampos have gone under the radar.
The Argentine moved from Marseille to Sevilla last summer for £13.5 million. After one season, 43 appearances, 17 goals and 5 assists later, Sevilla can proudly say that the money was well spent. Los Palanganas also executed a fine La Liga campaign that will see them play in the Champions League next season, thanks to Ocampos’ 14 goals in 33 games. The 26 year old ended the league season as Sevilla’s top scorer.
His noteworthy performances have seen him linked with Everton who are desperate to improve their squad quality. According to Football Correspondent David Ornstein of The Athletic, Carlo Ancelotti is interested in bringing Lucas Ocampos to Goodison Park.
Julen Lopetegui has been successful in extracting almost the maximum from Lucas Ocampos’ offensive abilities. He is most suitable in a 4-3-3 formation on the right wing, with Ancelotti possibly tweaking the set up for next season Ocampos can occupy the right wide role should Ancelotti go for a 4-3-3.
The Argentine can slot himself anywhere in the front three but reaches the highest output from the right flank. The former Marseille man has blistering pace which he uses in the opposition final third to make inward runs, allowing full backs to exploit the extreme right space and adding another man in the centre of the goal area.
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Lucas Ocampos also drops deeper to get involved in the build up play, making him more than just a final third player. The winger has the eye to pick out cross field passes and is extremely sharp when it comes to crossing. The Argentine averages 3 dribbles per game, demonstrating that he isn’t afraid of taking on defenders.
After epitaphs of his offensive side of the game, it is also worth mentioning that Lucas Ocampos is a hard worker in defence as well. When not in possession, he is an aggressive presser and acts as a blockade to opponent passing channels. One thing that can be improved on the defensive side is his discipline. He at times, doesn’t position himself optimally when the opposition has the ball creating gaps.
Overall, Lucas Ocampos is a fantastic player to have. Much of Sevilla’s success is down to the flamboyant displays of the Argentine. Luring him from Sevilla will be arduous task but the temptation of Premier League can convince Ocampos.
If a deal does manage to go through and Lucas Ocampos joins Everton, the Toffees will have an absolute gem in their squad.