Marc Roca is one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe (Getty Images)
According to Liverpool Echo, Everton have targeted Espanyol starlet Marc Roca along with several other players to boost their midfield options.
The report suggests that the Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti is looking for additional energy after having managed the team without a skilled ball progressor. And therefore, they have turned their attention towards Roca.
Ancelotti’s arrival in Goodison Park has brought the best out of the team as they currently lie 11th in the league table after a 1-1 draw against Manchester United last weekend. They have been in some kind of good form of late but still, need to be clinical in every area on the pitch.
Though the Toffees have a plethora of midfielders in their ranks, none of them has put in an extra effort throughout the campaign. Andre Gomes looked brighter with his performance and when he was about to get going, a horrific injury hampered his progress and he was out of action for several months.
Summer signing Jean-Phillipe Gbamin featured in just two games and is out for a long time with a hamstring injury and Morgan Schneiderlin has fallen down the pecking order due to lack of consistency. Both the defensive midfielders have not been available regularly.
Therefore, the manager should bring in reinforcements to see that he can pick up a decent squad for the new campaign and challenge for various trophies. Hence, he should first prioritize strengthening and boosting the midfield area as the defensive and offensive units seem to be settled.
In that regard, Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca would be a viable option for the side, which has been deprived of defensive midfield options for the majority of the season.
The 23-year-old came through Espanyol’s youth ranks and was promoted to the club’s first-team. Since then, he has been a regular starter and has formed to be an integral member under Abelardo. He has also scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in the league this season, which is rare for a defensive midfielder.
The Spaniard is also capable of playing in an advanced role and his goals are proof that he can be dangerous for his team in the opponent’s box. Roca’s inclusion to the Toffees squad would also bring in healthy competition, which can be a good sign for the team’s progress.
Despite the lack of experience, Roca has been one of the Catalan club’s best players this campaign and has the ability to succeed at a higher level. He can be useful for Everton if he is able to replicate the same form and learn under the guidance of Ancelotti.
Everton’s inconsistent performance has everything to do with the lack of quality in the midfield and therefore, the manager should bring in players who can add depth and strength to the squad. And Roca would be a good fit as he is young and energetic.
With Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin already in their 30s, Everton should make a move for the 23-year-old in the summer.
