Everton, despite their issues up front, still remain keen on bolstering elsewhere with transfers this deadline day…
What’s the latest?
That’s according to the Daily Mail Sport, who, during a live stream earlier today, saw journalists Sami Mokbel and Craig Hope discuss some of the potential deals for deadline day.
For the Toffees, it was noted that West Ham United full-back Ben Johnson remains on their radar, perhaps as an alternative for Seamus Coleman who has been forced to feature whilst Nathan Patterson recovers from injury.
Do Everton need more defenders?
Yes
No
It was claimed that:
“What we understand today is that they’re [Everton] in for West Ham right back Ben Johnson. There is some debate however over whether West Ham are willing to let him go.”
Dyche can axe Coleman
Although he has been an impressive servant for the football club, featuring 398 times for the Merseyside outfit, even he himself would admit he is far from the necessary standard for this level.
Many would agree the Ireland and club captain should have been replaced with grace, his legacy kept intact, but through years of poor recruitment and an unfortunate injury to Nathan Patterson, he once again finds himself as the first choice right back at 34 years old.
Once dubbed a “defensive liability” back in 2015 by journalist Liam Canning, Coleman’s legs have failed him and that’s sadly become even more the case and without any attacking impetus either.
Last season he made two errors that led directly to a goal, and this season he is only managing to produce 0.1 key pass per game.
The £55k-per-week stalwart needs extra reinforcements to prevent him from being the first and only choice, which is why this Johnson deal makes sense. Especially considering how he is a physical fullback with a huge focus on defending, just as Sean Dyche likes them.
When compared to other defenders across all of Europe, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 4% for clearances. Despite his limited play time this season in the Premier League, he has managed to pair that with 1.4 tackles and 3.2 duels won per 90, via Sofascore.
He is a defence-first full-back, and as such also boasts the ability to slot into centre-back too. This versatility could be key, with former professional footballer Anton Ferdinand even lauding the youngster after being forced to play on the left: “young Ben Johnson he was immense tonight and playing on his weaker side too! looks ready to step in when needed”.
Johnson is technically proficient but physically dominant, and at this moment in time, that is everything Coleman is not.
