Everton should consider swoop for former Ancelotti player Matuidi

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Everton are currently light on midfield options.

The Toffees are relying on Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin at holding midfield the moment, with cover provided by Tom Davies.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin remains injured, while Andre Gomes will still need some time to get fit despite returning to training from his horror ankle injury after just three months.

The club have just a couple of days to make new additions, which means shrewd deals may be somewhat difficult to pull off.

There is, though, one man who could and perhaps should be of interest to Everton, who are missing the bite and tenacity of former star Idrissa Gueye.

Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi’s contract is expiring, and the Frenchman could be really smart buy for Everton this month.

TBR’s view – Experienced Matuidi just what Everton need

This season, Everton have been accused of lacking leaders and signing Matuidi would address that issue.

The star, 32, is vastly experienced and although he’s never been a captain, he does lead through performance and set an example to his teammates.

Matuidi was a trusted member of the France side that won the World Cup in 2018, playing in an unorthodox left-sided role to impressive effect for Didier Deschamps.

It’s at defensive midfield where he truly shines though, winning balls back and recycling possession (with an excellent completion rate of 89% this season, WhoScored) and Carlo Ancelotti – his old manager at Paris Saint-Germain – once branded him ‘indispensable’ (L’Equipe via ESPN).

Despite his advancing years, he’s been a mainstay for Juve this term (26 appearances in all competitions) – which is further evidence of his quality – but Everton should certainly consider trying to sign him for a cut-price fee given his contract situation.