Everton are preparing for an important summer transfer window which could see them improve in a number of key areas in the squad.
Frank Lampard and Kevin Thelwell will soon be hard at work in bringing numerous players to Goodison Park as they look to avoid the same problems that plagued the side last season. One of those is set to be James Tarkowski, with the understanding being that a deal is in place to bring the Burnley centre-back to Goodison Park once he becomes a free agent.
However, aside from that, there have not been many links with other players for Blues fans to get excited about. However, on Saturday, a report from The Athletic mentioned that Everton could be interested in a swoop for Man City star Oleksandr Zinchenko.
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Midfield is an area of the pitch that the Blues certainly need additions in. The Ukraine international often plays in that role for his country, but has lined up as a left-back for his club over the majority of his recent time at the Etihad Stadium.
Would the 25-year-old be the right fit for Everton? And what important qualities would he bring to the side if a transfer was sought?
To find out we spoke to Ukrainian football expert Andrew Todos, the man behind Twitter account @ZoryaLondonsk, to see whether Zinchenko would be a solid signing for Everton.
As someone who has watched a lot of Zinchenko, how do you think his time at Man City has gone?
In the circumstances he’s found himself in over the course of his Man City career, he’s done extremely well to adapt and find a role for himself in a side that can be classed as one of the best in Europe. Left back isn’t his first choice position but as a result of Pep’s coaching and the experience he has gained by playing there for so long, it’s honed him into becoming a top level box to box midfielder (as we’ve seen with Ukraine).
Add to that all the silverware he’s won and you could certainly say he’s had a hugely rewarding time in return for the loyalty and hard work he’s put in despite having difficult periods where he struggled to get game time.
What are his best attributes in your opinion?
What stands out the most for club and country is his energy and persistence. He won’t stop running for 90 minutes.
Add to that his technical ability. He’s got superb vision and a varied range of passing especially when it comes to quick releases, combinations and crossing.
His defensive capabilities have improved as the years have gone on too. Not afraid to get stuck in with last ditch tackles.
How different is Zinchenko's role when he goes away with the Ukraine national team? And how influential does he become on international duty?
Zinchenko, predominantly plays on the left hand side of a central midfield three for Ukraine. So he’s essentially a box to box midfielder with freedom to roam across the pitch.
He’s usually found all over it, coming into support the wide players or tracking back to help with the recovery when the opposition are on the break. When he’s given space (as seen versus Scotland) he’s allowed to dictate the play, start off attacks and find those pockets of space to locate his teammates when they’re through on goal.
He’s currently vice captain but his leadership qualities are vital - always a vocal & motivating voice on the pitch.
Is he better suited to a three-man midfield, or do you think he has the quality to play in a two in that area as well?
Probably in a three if we look into the system he plays for Ukraine. He’s in-front of a defensive midfielder alongside another CM or can play alongside the DM with an AM in front.
If required he’d probably be fine in a two, you’d just like a more defensively minded midfielder alongside him.
