Could Kevin De Bruyne help Everton reach Europe? Napoli stats make for interesting reading
Kevin De Bruyne’s reported links with Everton have caught the imagination of supporters, and his performances for Napoli suggest the 35-year-old still has plenty of creativity to offer.
The former Manchester City midfielder has scored four goals and provided one assist in 11 Serie A appearances this season, while his passing statistics offer an intriguing glimpse of what he might bring to David Moyes’ side.
De Bruyne still creating chances at Napoli
According to analysis published by Flashscore, De Bruyne has created 36 chances in Serie A this season, more than any of his Napoli teammates. He has also made 297 passes into the final third, 134 more than the next-highest player in the squad, while completing 12 through balls and making 51 ball recoveries.
Those figures suggest his influence extends beyond goals and assists, even if he is no longer quite the player who dominated Premier League midfields during his time at Manchester City. For Evertonians, the prospect of that sort of passing ability alongside James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is understandably appealing.
Could he make the difference for Everton?
As we reported on Tuesday, Italian outlet Calciomercato.it claims Everton have contacted De Bruyne’s representatives to explore the possibility of a January move. However, there is still no confirmed offer to Napoli, no agreement over personal terms and no independent confirmation that Everton have made an approach.
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From a footballing perspective, De Bruyne’s ability to pick out a pass could be particularly useful for Thierno Barry, who has found form in front of goal. But there are obvious obstacles. De Bruyne’s age, injury history and likely wages would all need consideration, while Napoli would have to agree to let him leave midway through the season.
Moyes has also played down expectations of January business, making the prospect of such a high-profile signing even harder to assess. The numbers suggest De Bruyne could still improve Everton’s attacking options. Whether signing him would be financially realistic, or the right long-term decision for the club, is a different question.
For now, it is an interesting possibility rather than a transfer Evertonians should expect to happen.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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