Everton: £22.5 million versatile player with four league medals offered to Everton
We are now less than two weeks away from the opening of the summer transfer window and Everton are more active than ever in its pursuit of new talent. The newest talent on Frank Lampard’s radar is Ukrainian midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko.
According to The Athletic, Everton have been offered Zinchenko. The Manchester City man often plays as a left back under Pep Guardiola but as a central midfielder in the national team. Zinchenko is a young and versatile player who could play a number of positions for the Toffees if he joins the Merseyside team. He is a competent defender but what really makes him special is his ability to push forward and support the attackers.
Zinchenko ranks among the league’s best in passing and shot creation among defenders. The Ukrainian averages just under one shot per game and finished this season with four assists in just 15 matches played.
Everton are in need of some energy in the midfield and Zinchenko can provide that. The 25-year old played some of his best football from the midfield representing his country during the World Cup Qualifiers and the Euros in 2020.
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Everton want Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Euros were an especially tough test for the Ukrainian team. They drew a group with the Netherlands, Austria, and North Macedonia. The Ukraine national team miraculously survived the group stage and Zinchenko had some great showings on the pitch.
Zinchenko scored the opening goal in a victory over Sweden in the round of 16. The Ukrainian stepped up as a playmaker for his country throughout the entire tournament. He played as an attacking midfielder for the team and finished with a goal and an assist in the five games they played.
The World Cup qualifiers offered Zinchenko another opportunity to show off his attacking skillsets. The team has been brilliant so far and Zinchenko could be an X-factor in Ukraine’s potential World Cup birth. Their next qualifier will take place on June 1st against Scotland.
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Vitaliy Mykolenko is well settled in the left back role, so his compatriot Zinchenko is unlikely to displace Mykolenko and is being considered as a midfielder. Zinchenko is linked with an exit from Manchester City and Everton have been named as potential suitors. Perhaps, Mykolenko can influence his national teammate and friend to join the Toffees.
He also has the experience of winning and competing in big competitions and title races with Manchester City. He can help Lampard in instilling such a winning mentality among the Everton players as they push to achieve their European dream.
The rare skill set that Zinchenko offers as a defender and a reliable midfielder with excellent on the ball qualities would greatly benefit an Everton team who lacked energy this season. Lampard could use the young lad as a midfielder, left back or even utilize him as a spark of energy from the bench.
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Can Everton attract Oleksandr Zinchenko?