Everton linked with two top class Serie A midfielders - this is the one they should sign
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Can I shock you? Everton are being linked with not one, but two Juventus players. Do not adjust your sets. According to a report from Tuttosport, the Toffees are leading both Newcastle United and Wolves in the race to sign Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo this summer, while the Turin club are quietly hoping that they can convince Sean Dyche’s side to take USA international Weston McKennie of their hands too.
But what if Everton don’t want to bring in two midfielders from Turin over the coming days and weeks? What if, instead, they only have enough coat hangers in their dressing room to accommodate one, and what if, hypothetically, they have to make a direct choice between the two players on offer here? Who should they go for, and why?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWell, never for, for we have taken a closer look at both Arthur and McKennie to see who would be the smarter option for the Toffees this summer. Have a gander below...
Defensive Work
Primarily, either Arthur or McKennie would be being brought in to add a little ballast to Dyche’s engine room, and to that end, the pair recorded remarkably similar stats last season. While out on loan at Fiorentina, the Brazilian registered 1.4 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per 90 minutes, while his Juventus colleague registered 1.3 tackles and 0.6 interceptions.
McKennie was dribbled past marginally fewer times per game, but did average slightly more fouls, which could partially account for that edge over Arthur, and other than that, they are essentially neck and neck in a defensive sense. Indeed, the only area where one vastly outstrips the other is in clearances per 90 minutes; McKennie recorded 1.7, while Arthur made just 0.2.
Attacking Work
On the front foot, we see a more pronounced gap between the two players. Over the course of last season, McKennie registered seven assists for Juventus, while Arthur managed just three - although he did score twice too. Beyond that, however, the American does outshine his teammate in several other ways. The 25-year-old registered more shots per game, more successful dribbles, and more key passes per 90 minutes. The disparity in each of these categories is, admittedly, not huge, but it is enough to suggest that in an attacking sense, McKennie is the better proposition.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPassing
As we have already established, McKennie averaged more key passes per 90 minutes than Arthur last season, but in terms of general distribution, the Brazilian looks to be streets ahead of his fellow midfielder. Not only does the South American average 16.7 more passes per game, but his completion rate is 11.6% higher too. He also boasts a greater range of distribution, completing 2.8 long balls per outing compared to McKennie’s 0.8.
Overall
Ultimately, if Everton are to choose between Arthur and McKennie, it will come down to what qualities Sean Dyche feels would benefit his side more. If he’s looking for a dictator of tempo in the centre of the park, somebody who can distribute and stretch defences with his passing, then perhaps the Brazilian is his man. If, however, he would prefer somebody a little more direct with a more profound knack for influencing games in the final third, then the American may be the sounder option.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.