Everton confirmed the appointment of Rafael Benitez as their new manager on a three-year deal last month.
The former Newcastle & Liverpool boss, 61, becomes Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Goodison after the Italian’s shock move back to the Real Madrid post on June 1st.
Everton said in a club statement the Spaniard’s appointment followed “a robust and wide-reaching recruitment process” over the last three weeks, which saw “multiple interviews with several candidates”.
“I am delighted to be joining Everton,” Benitez told Everton’s official website. “Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the club and their desire to bring success to this historic club.
“I believe this is a club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great club achieve its ambitions.”
Rafael Benitez has received a mixed reaction from the Everton fanbase after news emerged earlier in June he had become the club’s leading target.
Everton also reportedly held talks with former Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo – who is now the new Tottenham Hotspur boss – and also had an interest in their former manager David Moyes.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez – another ex-Toffees manager, Lille’s Ligue 1 title-winning coach Christophe Galtier and Eddie Howe were all also understood to be on their shortlist.
Having been handed the keys to Everton’s future, Benitez will be expected to create a clear identity that has been somewhat neglected in place of short-termism. In the midst of much supporter unrest, Rafael Benitez will have to navigate his way through it and stamp his authority on a club that has been through much turbulence in recent years.
The sudden departure of Carlo Ancelotti came as a huge blow to the Everton faithful. A decision pulled the rug from underneath Everton’s lofty ambitions and came as a major blow to Moshiri, who had viewed the Italian as the perfect figurehead to lead the club and the ‘Hollywood’ manager he craved.
But Real Madrid came calling again, and Ancelotti couldn’t say no. Now, though Moshiri will be tasked in giving Rafael Benitez what he needs this summer in order to take the club out of the uncertainty and into a new and approved era.
There are a number of gaps in Everton’s current squad that needs swift approval and addressing. Judging by Benitez’ past philosophies and ideas in the Premier League, he’ll be aiming to strike a fine balance between defence and attack for Everton whilst maintaining a pragmatic, organised and rigid structure.
Benitez is, in Moshiri’s eyes, the tried and trusted Premier League operator who can bring years of experience and an analytical, tactical mind to Everton.
In defence, a new right-back will be a priority for the club, a player who can be a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman who is out of contract next year. Whilst Mason Holgate has filled in at RB, there’s certainly a case for him fighting for a permanent centre-back spot after impressing there in the latter stages of last season. The same can be said for highly-rated, and new England international Ben Godfrey.
There may be also be a strong need for a creative midfielder, a no.10, with James Rodriguez’ immediate future at Goodison Park under question after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure. Sigurdsson may be relied upon again, but it would not hurt for the club to search for a more hungrier, vibrant and fresher alternative, a signing for the future.
Also, fast, direct and pacey wide options will certainly be a priority for the club, preferably one or two – as they were before Ancelotti’s departure.
Richarlison is one option, having featured on the left under previous managers – his work rate and quality will likely appeal to Benitez but lack of more quality options needs to be addressed. Iwobi has been a failure since his move from Arsenal, as has Bernard – two players who could be made surplus to requirements this summer, and eventually moved on.
The need for at least two wide players is arguably Benitez’ greatest need in order for Everton to have more variation, fluidity and flexibility in attack.
Up-front, Benitez will have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean – providing he doesn’t secure a permanent move to PSG – to call upon whilst Richarlison can also fill in when needed.
So in each position of need, who could Everton be targeting this summer?
Seamus Coleman long-term replacement?
Max Aarons, Norwich City
Despite Norwich’s promotion to the Barclays Premier League once again, its about time their wonderfully gifted full-back Max Aarons tests himself at a much bigger club. According to Sky Sources, Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton have all expressed an interest in signing the right-back and the 21-year-old represents the perfect candidate to replace Seamus Coleman for the long-term.
Whether Everton will be willing to pay the £30m fee required to secure Aarons signature from Norwich is another matter entirely. However, Everton must think about the now and the future. This is a player that will excite fans, breathe new life into a depleted squad and transform them tactically in the long-haul.
Despite his small frame and build, Aarons is a superb athlete, a real force of nature when he drives forward down the right-flank. A tremendous ball-carrier, pacey, and a player blessed with excellent vision. Aarons has proven a key outlet for Norwich in attack, evidently shown in registering 2 goals and 2 assists last season, and 2 goals and 6 assists during the 2018/19 campaign. The full-back averaged 1.4 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 2.3 long balls per game owing to his admirable qualities and bravery in the final third.
If he can keep up his superb upward trajectory while in the colours of Everton football club, we could be looking at one of the finest right-backs in the country. Remember, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus all held an interest in him last summer so Everton will be perfectly justified in pay such a large sum for Max Aarons. He will end up being worth every penny.
Denzel Dumfries, PSV Eindhoven
Despite Holland’s disappointing early exit from EURO 2020 this summer, their full-back Denzel Dumfries proved one of its stunning break-out stars. Two goals in four games, producing two man-of-the-match displays as Frank de Boer’s side stormed through Group C in top spot with three wins from three.
Dumfries was central to the Netherland’s blistering start and his agent will almost certainly be fielding a few phone calls from top clubs looking to secure his signature.
PSV are reportedly resigned to losing him before their campaign restarts in August and Everton MUST throw their hat in the ring and force a move for him – providing they cannot get the above Max Aarons, of course. He’ll potentially cost much less than Aarons and has valuable top-level European experience to his belt having just wowed fans at this summers tournament.
Ridiculously quick, agile, strong, forceful and combative, Dumfries is your all-action, all-round full-back. He’s just so relentless in his play so you’re not surprised to see him popping up at the back post for an attack before making a vital clearance at the other end when the opposition break, while his energy means he can do the job of two players.
Still only 25, there’s plenty more room for him to develop and improve, while playing in the Dutch league may take something off of his price tag which means he may cost around £15m – £20m. Dumfries will be worth every snip of that price tag, and also will address a serious need of real width and penetration on the flanks for Everton. They’d be mad not to consider him.
Wilfried Singo, Torino
Touted as one of the brightest young defenders in Serie A last season, Torino’s 20-year-old full-back Wilfried Singo is already being earmarked for great things. AC Milan and Liverpool have been linked with the Ivory Coast defender over the past couple months, a true reflection of the improvements and maturity he has enjoyed in his game throughout the whole campaign.
Singo, played in 28 matches last season, recording one goal and two assists, and has long been a key component of La Granata’s attack. The Ivorian plays almost exclusively at right-back, where he uses his pace and dribbling ability to push the ball up the pitch and create chances. Right-footed, Singo exploits space on the right wing and looks to play the ball into the box, averaging an outstanding 3.29 crosses per 90 minutes.
The defender excels at moving the ball up the pitch, ranking at the 86th and 91st percentiles for progressive carries and progressive carries into the penalty box among all “Big Five” European league fullbacks. He finds time and space as he advances, often looking for hitman Andrea Belotti to make a run toward goal.
Singo also averages 1.12 key passes and 1.65 final third passes per 90 again highlighting his terrific propensity to be on the front foot and create chances for his teammates. To thrive at a much higher level, he would need to improve his contributions towards his own goal but with more game time and belief in himself, that will come. He averaged 2.96 tackles + interceptions last season meaning he’s already so effective defending as he is playing on the front foot.
Though the young defender certainly has his share of weaknesses, signing Singo should be one of Everton’s shortlisted full-backs given his age, offensive ability and potential to develop. He shouldn’t be too expensive, despite Torino just beating relegation last season, but whatever the outlay, Singo represents an astute acquisition for any club looking to recruit any promising youngsters around Europe.
Creative no.10
Matheus Pereira, West Brom
How Matheus Pereira is still a West Brom player right now is absolutely criminal. It’ll be even more absurd if he isn’t snapped up by a Premier League club come the start of the new Sky Bet Championship season.
To put it simply, West Brom’s Brazilian maestro is simply too good to be playing Championship football right now, which means Rafael Benitez should be placing Pereira at the top of his recruitment list this summer.
Despite West Brom’s demise last season suffering yet another relegation from the English top-flight, it was a remarkable breakthrough season for their star man, Pereira. The midfielder notched an astonishing 11 goals, and 6 assists from 33 Premier League outings last season.
If there’s one thing the club could shout about over the past year, its the emergence of such a wonderfully gifted midfielder. The previous campaign – his first in English football – he hit 8 goals and laid on 16 assists which is simply extraordinary. The 25-year-old Brazilian is a creative machine, a serial goal contributor.
Matheus Pereira will add panache, quality and strong personality to Everton’s attacking football. Blessed with such superb vision, awesome technique, silky passing and a wand of a left boot. He won’t come cheap with West Brom stating that they will do everything they can to keep Pereira at the club, but that would be a disservice to the Brazilian, seeing as he is simply too good to be playing Championship football again.
Pereira is a Premier League player, a proven quality and Everton will certainly be stronger providing they secure his services.
Carlos Soler, Valencia
Rafael Benitez raiding one of his old clubs for inspired signings certainly won’t be a surprise this summer. One player who he could work wonders with in transforming Everton’s fortunes is Valencia’s key man and playmaker Carlos Soler. A player who’s been due a big move for a long while, Soler is a player ready for the big leagues.
Valencia are in a bit of a free-fall right now both on the pitch and off it, and are reportedly willing to listen to offers for some of their big names.
If that is indeed the case, Everton should roll the dice and prioritize the signing of Carlos Soler. A tremendously consistent performer, even if his club isn’t registering the points they need. It’s clear Soler deserves a club who matches his qualities and ambitions. He’s simply too good a player to not be performing on the biggest stages in Europe, whether that is Europa League or the UEFA Champions League.
If he was to go to Everton, he won’t be playing in either of those competitions but he’d be playing under a coach who knows what it takes to get there and deliver. Despite Valencia’s struggles last season, Soler still managed an astonishing 11 goals and 8 assists in La Liga highlighting his significance to the team, but also his extraordinary abilities.
A wonderfully gifted midfielder who always gives his all in every match he’s involved in. Soler is incredibly versatile too, capable of playing at no.10, no.8 on the flanks and a deep-lying orchestrator, he’d offer so much variation and a tactical flexibility when needed. Top clubs in Europe would be mad not to consider his services.
Where Valencia would be without Carlos Soler is a matter for another day, but it is about time he moves on from the Mestalla and embarks on a new challenge elsewhere. Everton under Rafael Benitez may just be the perfect new home for him…
Daichi Kamada, Eintracht Frankfurt
Arguably the best performing Asian footballer in Europe over the past year. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Japanese magician Daichi Kamada is a stunning footballer, an efficient workhorse and a creative maestro. Have a look at Frankfurt’s attacks and you’ll see how pivotal Kamada is, he is at the centre of almost everything. His movement, the positions he picks up, the space he occupies and the passes he delivers is simply sublime and a testament to his extraordinary understanding and nous when it comes to creating chances for his teammates.
5 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season, as Frankfurt only just missed out on an unprecedented Champions League place on the last day of the season. However, it was a stunning campaign for the club and for Kamada personally, and the Japanese is sure to be on a number of top club’s list of targets this summer. Rafael Benitez is in need of a creative maestro and Kamada fits the bill.
He is a joy to watch. Kamada is one of those players who manages to be technically impressive without even being flamboyant. Carries the ball neatly, with some sumptuous little touches and swift shifts in direction, and he exploits passing angles and lanes in the attacking third in a way that’s so clever, intricate but unusual.
He’s a unique player, and another one who deserves to test himself at the highest level. 2.90 final third passes, 1.8 key passes and an astonishing 4.05 shot-creating actions per 90 highlights his incredible efficiency and effectiveness in the final third. Kamada has so much to offer, not only in his skill, tenaciousness and technical qualities but in his application and willingness to learn and improve.
Everton would be incredibly smart in recruiting him. With Kamada in the fold, players like Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will only benefit even further.
Finally address their lack of width
Everton have lacked a decent wide player for a long while now, and it was an area of Carlo Ancelotti’s team that was in dire and desperate need of addressing. At times, Richarlison proved his only outlet in the wide areas, even though he held the tendency to come inside which meant his team often lacked with, direction, directness and cutting edge when breaking down teams, especially at Goodison Park.
Rafael Benitez loves his wide-forwards, because they are so essential to his philosophy because of their pace on the transition, and also trouble teams that are expected to power his. That means Benitez will certainly be looking for pacey and direct left-footers to play on the left flank and vice-versa on the right flank.
So who should Everton be scouting?
Leon Bailey, Bayer Leverkusen
An addition of consistent goals and assists from especially the right flank is seen as a key aspect for the side to grow next term, and that brings us neatly to Leon Bailey. The Jamaican is a ridiculous speed merchant.
The Toffees were certainly missing an injection of pace and creativity out wide all throughout last term. Not only do they need a pacey wide-player but a smart and creative one, and Leon Bailey is a top-tier candidate.
In 30 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen in 2020/21, the Jamaica international bagged an impressive nine goals and eight assists.
Add that to a further five strikes and two assists from eight matches in the Europa League and it’s clear to see why a large number of Everton fans have already suggested the club should be looking in the direction of the 23-year-old.
Bailey has been on the radar of a number of top clubs in the past, not least: both the Manchester giants, Bayern Munich and Juventus which should be a stark indicator of the level and hype surrounding Leon Bailey.
When he is on-song, he is a frightening player for opposing defenders but a joy to watch for his own team. At times, his over-confidence gets the best of him, which means he flatters to decieve when the going gets tough. However, working under a shrewd and detailed manager like Rafael Benitez will only develop Bailey’s mentality and performance levels.
Borussia Dortmund are the most recent side to be linked with a potential swoop for Bailey, with some reports suggesting he could be a replacement for Jadon Sancho who is on the verge of joining Manchester United, so Everton will need to move swiftly.
The Jamaica international would certainly be an exciting transfer both on the pitch and off it if Everton were to look his way.
Arnaut Danjuma, AFC Bournemouth
One of the major challenges Scott Parker will face heading into his new club as manager is trying to keep stunning winger and Bournemouth’s key man Arnaut Danjuma in the Sky Bet Championship for another season.
The question posed to Danjuma will be, does he want a move to the Premier League right now or is he willing to wait it out for another year, aiding the club and Scott Parker for another automatic promotion push next season?
If the way last season ended for him is any indication, then Danjuma may already have his heart set on testing himself at a higher level this coming season, and if there is one Championship forward who deserves such an opportunity to make the grade then its him.
The Dutch winger has been superb for Bournemouth since his move from Club Brugges two years ago. He notched an outstanding 17 goals and 7 assists from 35 outings last season, and has already stated he has ‘outgrown’ the Championship. Spanish Europa League winners Villareal have reportedly had a bid rejected by Bournemouth, and may well return with an improved offer.
An immediate Premier League move is certainly on the horizon for the forward too, and there may not be a better place for him to develop even further than at Everton under Rafa Benitez. Pacey, direct, blessed with stunning trickery, vision, and capable of playing on the left-flank or on the right, Arnaut Danjuma is already arguably a top-tier Premier League player.
Danjuma brings variety, flexibility and decisiveness in the final third; three characteristics Everton desperately need to improve next season.
Arnaut Danjuma deserves his chance at the top level, and that opportunity to finally make the grade is certainly now.
Luis Diaz, FC Porto
4 goals in 5 games in the Copa America for Luis Diaz as Colombia finished third in the South American tournament. This is a player who deserves much acclaim and attention right now, a player full of highlight reels because of his impeccable audaciousness, trickery, courage, skill, technique and electrifying pace. If you need any indication of his raw abilities, just check his goal against Brazil during the competition. An extraordinary overhead kick which flew past Weverton in the Brazilian goal.
FC Porto will be attempting everything in their power to keep Diaz at the Estádio do Dragão next season, but the 24-year-old’s peerless qualities certainly deserves a bigger stage, and after the summer he’s had, he certainly won’t be short of a few calls for his talented services this summer.
Everton should take a huge punt on the winger, because they need a player like him, desperately. Goodison Park needs to be wowed again, fans will want to be excited in travelling to home matches and adding Luis Diaz to their roster will go a long way in addressing that desire.
Diaz certainly won’t come cheap, he’s simply that good a player. As well as his 4 goals for Colombia this summer, he hit 9 goals and 5 assists for FC Porto last season which shows he’s got substance as much as his immense trickery and speed. A decisive player who will certainly provide more highlight reels in the Premier League, assuming he arrives in future. It’s an exciting option Everton must consider.
Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace
Another player who will not come cheap if he is to be prized away, but its an option Everton will surely be considering as they have been in the past.
It feels like Wilfried Zaha has been trying to engineer an exit from Crystal Palace for at least five years, yet he still remains with the south London club.
At 28, Zaha is now in his prime years and his long-held desire of playing Champions League football is looking increasingly unlikely of occurring, with no top club currently scouring for his services.
So he may have to just settle for the next best thing, and that is at Everton who have been rumoured to be one of his potential destinations in the past, and they are sure to be linked with the Ivorian again. News has broken recently that Palace are prepared to allow him to leave for a relatively low fee.
According to The Times, “the club are willing to listen to offers above £35 million as they must pay 25 per cent of the profit on the deal to Manchester United.”
The risks are clear, why will Everton pay for a player who will probably not have any resale value in future? They’ll be weighing up the positives too: Zaha is Premier League proven, has the pedigree and will settle right in at Goodison Park offering Benitez and the club what they’ve needed for a long while, and that is pace, quality, directness and flair on the right-flank.
However, while the Ivory Coast international might not initially seem like a good fit for the new Everton manager, there are facets of his game which look likely to appeal. It’s fair to wonder if he has the discipline to perform within Benitez’ all-important tactical structure though.
Roy Hodgson once said: “Wilf Zaha is a player who doesn’t have roles,” but he absolutely would have one designated to him under the meticulous and shrewd Benitez and would unquestionably be expected to stick to it.
The player’s versatility would appeal to the Spaniard, with Zaha capable of playing either centrally or in wide areas, and his willingness to defend from the front is certain to be a point in his favour too.
It is time Zaha tested himself elsewhere, he isn’t getting any younger.
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