Why Everton should make a move for Piotr Zielinski

A recent Daily Star report claimed that Everton will attempt to sign Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski if they appoint Carlo Ancelotti as their manager. Now that the deed has been done, the Toffees would be wise to turn their attention towards the player.

Zielinski was certainly a favourite and started most games under Ancelotti this season before his Napoli exit. In other words, he would be an exciting addition to the Premier League.

He has 51 senior international caps for Poland and is a versatile midfielder. Capable of quick dribbling and contributing in the final third, Zielinski has a strong physical presence too.

At 25, he is one of the first names on the Napoli team sheet and continues to be a dependable member of the side. Hardly ever injured, the Poland international has played 164 times for Napoli. He already has more than 300 professional appearances to his name for both club and country.

Everton, meanwhile, need additions with a lengthy injury list affecting their central midfield options. Idrissa Gueye’s replacement Jean-Philippe Gbamin is injured, as is Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes. Tom Davies is still finding his feet and Mason Holgate has been used in that position recently.

Zielinski is a creative No. 8, who can play in a double pivot as well. He would provide good competition to Gylfi Sigurðsson, who has been Everton’s playmaker over the last couple of years. Zielinski is an epitome of the modern-day central midfielder; he is dynamic, technically gifted and carries the ball with poise.

This season, Gylfi Sigurðsson has contributed just 1 goal and an assist in 13 games in the Premier League. He has averaged 1.6 shots, 0.6 dribbles, 1.8 key passes and 1.2 crosses per 90 minutes. He also has an average pass success percentage of 79.4%. [Courtesy: Whoscored]

Zielinski, on the other hand, has managed a goal and an assist in 14 games in the Serie A. He has managed 2.4 shots and 1.1 dribbles per game. He has also played 1.3 key passes per game with a pass success percentage of 89.1%. [Courtesy: Whoscored]

Zielinski has been a vital cog in Napoli’s set-up and has often been the main playmaker in the side.

Verdict

With Ancelotti in the Everton hot seat, the one position that needs strengthening right now is the midfield, as they have been extremely unfortunate with injuries.

Zielinski is an all-action midfielder, who looks tailor-made for English football and he would certainly add some extra flair to the Toffees’ XI.