Undeniably, one of the biggest problems for Everton this season is the lack of creativity in the midfield. The Toffees are ranked as the sixth worse attack in the Premier League this season, as they have scored 33 goals in 30 matches, and they continue to struggle to try to link their defence and their attack.
This happens because of the fact the squad do not have a classic number 10, who would be responsible for this connection and, without this player, Everton keep creating their chances from crosses or individual runs from one of their attacking players.
During this season, Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard tried different players to perform this role such as Alex Iwobi and Dele Alli. However, their idea did not have much success and the team continues to have difficulties creating chances coming from a through ball or a combination of passes in the midfield.
Everton might want to go to the market in the summer to bring a player with this kind of characteristics to the squad and the staff, who tend to focus on the European market to find their solution to the squad, must turn their attention to South America because on the other side of the Atlantic, there is a midfielder who has shown in the last few seasons he is capable of solving Everton’s creative problems.
Everton must take a look at Raphael Veiga
Raphael Veiga is an attacking midfielder who plays for Palmeiras, current Copa Libertadores champions. The 26-year-old has been simply outstanding in the last two years and he has been the main character in the last titles of his team.
Since 2021, the Brazilian has scored 28 goals and provided 9 assists in 73 matches. In addition to his positive stats, the midfielder was one of the leaders during the team’s victorious campaign in the Copa Libertadores 2021 and Recopa Sul-Americana 2021, as well as being awarded as one of the best midfielders in the Brazilian league last season.
Last January, Veiga had the world’s attention during the FIFA Club World Cup 2021 where he scored two out of the three goals for the Brazilian team in the competition, including the equalizer in the final of the tournament against Chelsea.
The midfielder is known for his impressive technique, due to his ability of shooting with both legs with good quality, his good game vision, as well as his skills and quickness. In his team, Veiga is the link between the two holding midfielders and the three attacking players. He is also responsible of creating the most dangerous chances of his team during their matches alongside Palmeiras’ winger, Dudu.
Because of his performances, the ace is being asked by many fans and journalists to be given the opportunity of showcasing his skills wearing the Brazilian national team jersey and his chance might be awarded soon.
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According to Transfermarkt, Veiga’s net worth is around €12 million, a small value considering his quality and his current form. Playing for Everton, the Brazilian would be free in the Toffees midfield, as Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure are capable of doing the “dirty work” to let Veiga be able to create as many chances as he can with the ball at his feet.
In the 2021 Brazilian league, the ace had two big chances created every game as one of his stats and at least one key pass every match. If Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are already dangerous without a cerebral player behind them, with Veiga as their source, their chances of scoring would be even higher.
Veiga seems to be ready for his first European adventure of his career and the Goodison Park would be perfect to be his first home in Europe. The Brazilian ace is the type of player the Toffees need and he would be a key element in the reconstruction of the club’s moral next season.
Should Everton scout Raphael Veiga?