Everton have gone into the international break on a high after a difficult start to the season, having won three of their past four matches in all competitions.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin back to full fitness, the Toffees have finally started to find the back of the goal on a regular basis, and some fans and journalists are already looking ahead to the January transfer window to see how Sean Dyche might strengthen his side.
Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a move to Goodison Park on numerous occasions, as the former Leeds United midfielder looks poised to leave Manchester City in the new year after struggling to make an impact at the Etihad. If 777 Partners completes their buyout [10 October], the Toffees are allegedly interested in making a move.
However, Dyche has previously spoken out about how difficult it has been to choose his midfield in recent weeks, addressing EvertonTV on Wednesday (11 October): “We’re in a real fight for positions.”
“There’s the three (Onana, Gana and Abdoulaye Doucoure) who have played so much for us, but with Jimmy playing so well, there’s a real competitive element in there.”
While the Toffees’ manager claims to be enjoying the rivalry for places at Goodison Park this season, adding Phillips to his ranks may not be the wisest option for anybody involved in the potential swap, as opportunities will be far from guaranteed.
The England international is an excellent midfielder; during his last full season at Elland Road, he was one of the Whites’ better defensive players, ranking in the 96th percentile of midfielders in terms of blocks and 90th in terms of tackles per 90 minutes of action [Fbref].
But it was over two years ago, and Phillips is still unable to play due to his £42 million transfer [Sky Sports 4 July 2022].
Gueye is outperforming City’s midfielder at Elland Road, slipping slightly behind Phillips in terms of blocks produced per game but completing more tackles per game as the former PSG man ranks in the top 4% of his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues [Fbref].
Garner, Onana, and Doucoure are all better forward than the Manchester City man, so there’s no reason to think he’d waltz into the Toffees’ midfield, especially given his lack of game time in the last 18 months.
Everton have frequently bought big-name talents from top six teams for hefty fees when they are not at their prime under Farhad Moshir’s ownership, and while saying that about Phillips would be harsh, the Toffees would be betting on him rediscovering his prior form.
At his best, the 27-year-old would start at Goodison Park, and if the Blues can secure a loan deal in which they only cover his wages, it could be worth betting on the midfielder. However, 777 should avoid spending too much money on Phillips because the position is arguably the best-stocked in Dyche’s squad.
