Why Teun Koopmeiners could solve the midfield issues of Everton
According to The Sun, Everton are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar star Teun Koopmeiners in the summer transfer window.
Koopmeiners, 22, came through the ranks of Alkmaar’s youth system and already has a vast experience in Dutch football. He is also a regular member of the Dutch U21 side and is one of the best players in the Eredivisie.
The youngster was also trusted with the armband by the Dutch side’s boss Arne Slot and has led his team brilliantly as they are equal in points with Ajax in 2nd position despite the Eredivisie being declared null and void. And his impressive performances have caught the attention of Everton and AC Milan, as per the report.
Meanwhile, the Toffees have struggled with inconsistency throughout the campaign, except for their forwards Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The strikers haven’t received enough support from the midfielders and this has been a concern.
The Midfield conundrum
Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Morgan Schneiderlin are the two defensive midfielders available at the manager’s disposal. While Gbamin has been out of action for the majority of the 2019/20 season, the Frenchman hasn’t contributed enough.
Attack-minded midfielders Tom Davies, Fabian Delph, Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson have combined to contribute with just 2 goals and 2 assists. The Toffees have lacked a goalscoring midfielder and that is one area on which Ancelotti should focus.
Out of the 37 goals Everton have scored, 23 have come from Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. The midfielders have been inconsistent. Thus, to improve their attack next season, the Toffees should bring in reinforcements to the midfield.
In that regard, signing Alkmaar’s Koopmeiners would be a great addition to the squad. The youngster has displayed some eye-catching performances in the past two seasons since getting promoted to the club’s senior set-up in 2017.
Despite operating from a deeper position, Koopmeiners racked up 8 goals in the league last season and has continued with the same form. This term, he notched up 16 goals and 3 assists from 42 games across all competitions, with 11 of them coming in the league games.
The Dutchman would be a valuable addition to the squad if he is able to replicate the same form. He would bring stability to the Toffees midfield. He has already captained his side at such a young age and this shows his maturity.
Read more
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Verdict
With a lack of quality in their midfield, Everton should bring Koopmeiners to their squad and his inclusion would also bring healthy competition. At 22, he has a huge future ahead of him and thus, the Toffees should be able to enjoy his best form by luring the midfield dynamo to Goodison Park in the summer.
