According to ESPN, Croatian midfielder Nikola Vlasic, who is currently on loan at CSKA Moscow from Everton, has attracted interest from Serie A clubs AS Roma and Inter Milan. However, the player’s agent has dismissed talks over a potential move to Italian football. (h/t ESPN)
Vlasic started his professional career with Croatian giants Hajduk Split and caught the eye of former Everton manager Ronald Koeman when the Croatian outfit faced the Toffees in a Europa League playoff game. Consequently, he was snapped up by Everton in the summer of 2017 but found himself on the fringes of the first-team in the previous season.
The Croatian made 12 appearances for Everton in the Premier League last term but wasn’t able to turn any eyeballs with his performances. However, he did excel for the Toffees in the Europa League last season where he picked up a couple of goals and an assist.
The 21-year-old has strung together some consistently impressive performances for the Russian giants both in the Russian Premier League and in the UEFA Champions League. Consequently, his market valued has soared to around €15-20 million, which is a lot more than the £10 million that Everton had paid for him just a season back.
A technically-gifted and tactically versatile midfielder, Vlasic has the ability to operate in multiple positions in the midfield and attacking third. He has been used in a No.10 role behind the striker and in a deeper role as a No.8 but he is also capable of playing down the flanks.
The 22-year-old is known for his ability to create chances in the final third with his tactical awareness and vision. The Croatian is adept at working the channels with his flawless passing and often plays incisive passes to set his teammates into free spaces.
However, he is not a one trick pony and often drifts wide find the free spaces. Furthermore, he is a player with a keen eye for a cross and can supply the centre-forward with perfectly weighted lobbed passes.
A hardworking midfielder, which makes him a perfect fit for both No.8 and No.10 roles in midfield, Vlasic tracks back and cuts out the attacks with crucial tackles and interceptions.
Vlasic has averaged 2.3 shots, 3.5 key passes, 2.8 dribbles, 1.5 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game in the UEFA Champions League this season, which clearly shows that he has continued his development in the right direction at the Moscow based club.
To put things into perspective, Everton do not have too many exciting options in the central areas of the pitch. Gylfi Sigurdsson is one of the best playmakers in the Premier League and has been in tremendous form this season but the Toffees do not have too many quality options on the bench.
Another youngster Kieran Dowell is yet to establish himself at the Premier League level while Idrissa Gana Gueye remains the best option for Marco Silva in central midfield. Neither Tom Davies nor Morgan Schneiderlin has been particularly impressive or exciting this season but Andre Gomes’ return from injury has allowed the manager some breathing space.
Irrespective of what the future holds for Barcelona loanee Andre Gomes, Everton should hold on to Nikola Vlasic at all costs as he is a player with a massive potential and has already shown strong signs of excellence this season.
That said, Marco Silva should try to include him in his first-team plans for the upcoming season.