Nicolas de la Cruz has been linked with a move to Everton (Getty Images)
According to HITC (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton are weighing up a move for River Plate star Nicolas De La Cruz ahead of the summer window.
De La Cruz, 22, came through the ranks of Liverpool Montevideo’s youth system and moved to Argentina with River Plate in 2017. Though he struggled with injuries in his first season at the club, he became a regular member in the following campaigns.
He was also instrumental in his side’s run to the Copa Libertadores final and also lifted the Copa Argentina trophy last year. His rise has been a rather swift one and he has been in sensational form in the past two seasons for River Plate. Thus, Everton should look to secure his services in the summer.
The Toffees, meanwhile, have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. They have struggled to find form and were hovering near the relegation zone earlier in the season which saw Marco Silva get sacked.
Though they did find momentum under Duncan Ferguson and Carlo Ancelotti, the results didn’t last long. Except for Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, none of them have put in strong performances.
After just three wins in their last 9 league games, the Toffees are currently 12th in the league standings. They have also been dumped out of the cup competitions. Thus, it is clear that Ancelotti should bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to do better in the next season.
Andre Gomes and Tom Davies are the only attack-minded central midfielders in the squad. But they have not been up to their best. The supply from the middle of the park has been limited and as a result, the Toffees have scored just 37 goals so far.
Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson is the only attacking midfielder available at the manager’s disposal. The former Tottenham man has racked up just 1 goal and 2 assists in the league. He has been completely out of form, and thus, Everton need to bring in a creative player.
In that regard, signing De La Cruz would be a good move by the club. The Uruguayan finished the last Superliga season with 1 goal and 2 assists but has already bettered those numbers this term. He has racked up 4 goals and 6 assists and looks to be improving with the experience.
De la Cruz’s inclusion to Ancelotti’s squad could be a massive boost for the side. The fact that he is young could also help the team in the future. He has been at his best and Everton can resolve their creativity issues for the future by roping in the Uruguayan.
At 22, De La Cruz has a long future ahead of him. Given the lack of quality in Everton’s midfield, they should look to bring in an attacking midfielder. And De La Cruz would provide them with the much-needed depth.
He would also represent them in the long run if he is able to continue with the fine form. Thus, the Toffees should lure the Uruguayan to Goodison Park this summer.
