Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup after one of the most enthralling qualification games in living memory – and reported Everton target Scott McTominay had a huge say in the opening minutes.
Scotland knew they had to beat qualification Group C leaders Denmark at Hampden Park if they were to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring, before an incredible tie saw Rasmus Hojlund score from the spot, Lawrence Shankland seemingly win the game and Patrick Dorgu set pulses racing, before the crescendo of a late Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean double act finally put the game to bed.
But for Everton and their recent links to McTominay, it saw the former Premier League midfielder give a huge audition that compatriot David Moyes will have been gleefully looking on at as his country qualified for the World Cup thanks to the midfielder’s magic.
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Scott McTominay has shown just why Everton want to sign him
Just three minutes into a decisive Hampden Park clash, former Liverpool winger Ben Doak – who was also linked to Everton previously – clipped a ball into the box.
Out of nowhere, Scott McTominay leapt into the air, with his feet seemingly touching the clouds, before scissor-kicking the ball into the wet turf and beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
At that point, it allowed Scotland fans to dream of a trip to North America in the summer, reinforcing his Ballon d’Or nomination with a goal that will live long in Tartan Army memory.
The catalyst for a famous victory, McTominay’s effort will undeniably be replayed for months and years to come as one of the goals of the year.
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And for Everton, it was a real audition for the midfielder who they have been linked with in recent days.
The Toffees were linked with McTominay under Sean Dyche, and although they were interested, the midfielder instead left for Napoli.
He’s had a real career lift since. Winning the Serie A, McTominay has broken records – claiming the Italian division’s MVP award, as well as being nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
A transfer may be a while off, but with recent links emerging, it could be the kick for David Moyes to make a real push for his man.
David Moyes loves players in Scott McTominay’s mould and a transfer should be his priority
Everton have had players in the mould of McTominay in the past.
Namely, Marouane Fellaini was Moyes’ version of the Scot in his first spell at Goodison Park, being a tall midfielder who could impact games in the centre of the park, but also chip in with vital goals.
That saw Fellaini follow Moyes to Manchester United after scoring 33 goals in 177 games on Merseyside, following that up with 22 in the same amount of games for the Red Devils.
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Moyes then utilised Tomas Soucek in a similar role, with the Czech giant scoring 32 goals under Moyes before the Scot’s departure.
McTominay is in the same ilk, with 46 club goals and 14 Scotland strikes throughout his career.
It’s clear that the Lancaster-born star is exactly the sort of player that Moyes loves and Everton should be fighting tooth and nail to sign him.