Everton’s injury issues may have led them to eyeing a versatile right-back who is capable of playing at centre-back.
After losing on Saturday against Manchester City, Everton fans were hit with some unexpected news on Jarrad Branthwaite.
Having been dealt another injury setback, Branthwaite has now undergone successful hamstring surgery as his rehabilitation starts all over again.
As long as there are no further injuries, David Moyes will be confident he has the resources to see the Blues through until January.
However, relying on two centre-backs well into their thirties is far from ideal given the lack of depth Everton have in their full-back spots.
Everton have also seen Nathan Patterson injured once again in recent days.
With no immediate timeline being placed on Branthwaite’s return, it has now been suggested that the Blues are eyeing a right-back from the Bundesliga who is capable of playing at centre-back.
1. FSV Mainz 05 v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga
Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images
Everton eyeing versatile Bundesliga defender for January
In the final days of the window, Everton lined up an exit for Nathan Patterson which fell through on Sevilla’s end.
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Clearly, there is a need for the Blues to add in that position, with Jake O’Brien lacking competition and rotation on the right.
According to the latest edition of Sport BILD [page 27], Everton are one of the sides who are in the frame to potentially move for Anthony Caci.
The Mainz right-back is playing into the final months of his deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
But there is also an interest from Premier League rivals Fulham, who have already caused Everton frustration during the summer market.
Fulham snapped up Kenny Tete amid Everton’s interest, which cost the Blues from adding some quality at the right-back position.
A versatile defender could be exactly what Everton need in January and it could even free up O’Brien to return to his natural position at centre-back.
Everton could add attacking threat with Anthony Caci
O’Brien’s Everton displays have been praised, but it is clear that the Ireland international does not exactly offer much in an attacking sense.
In the modern game, attacking full-backs are a big trend, with a lot of creativity provided from the full-backs in a lot of teams.
Anthony Caci Per 90 Percentile
Assists 0.25 94
Shots 1.11 91
Successful take-ons 1.11 86
Touches (attacking box) 2.47 87
Everton are not one of those sides, but adding a player like Caci could certainly change that as his stats show he is one of Europe’s most attack-minded right-backs.
Although Caci is capable of playing at centre-back, adding a right-back of his quality could be the perfect answer to allowing O’Brien play to his own strengths in the middle.