Marcel Brands once called reported Everton transfer target the ‘perfect’ modern defender

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Everton have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid defender Santiago Arias this week. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the Colombian is being earmarked as a potential new recruit by director of football Marcel Brands.

Everton recently allowed Jonjo Kenny to join Schalke 04 on loan for the season, leaving Marco Silva short in the right-back position. Seamus Coleman’s inconsistent form and recent injury record will also contribute to the Arias interest.

Of course, it should be no surprise that Brands is keen on Arias.

The Dutchman previously worked with him at PSV Eindhoven. He was the director of football at the Dutch club when Arias joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2013.

Back in 2015, after Arias signed a new deal with PSV, Brands had glowing praise for his defender on the PSV website.

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“He is the perfect model of the modern defender: pacy, powerful and attack-minded.

“There are not many players with such qualities.”

Arias has however struggled for form at Atletico Madrid since he joined the club in a reported €11 million (Marca) deal last summer.

With Everton needing a right-back it is no surprise that Brands is turning to a player he clearly rates and can trust.