Everton could sign ‘unbelievable’ talent who is one of the world’s best in key metric
Everton have started their Premier League season well under David Moyes, sitting ninth in the table after six games.
Everton were to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday Night Football.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was booked in Everton’s draw, meaning he will now miss the Toffees’ match at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Everton are pursuing three new strikers in the January transfer window due to the poor performance of Beto in the early part of the season, according to reports.
Everton looking at signing Daizen Maeda
Everton are also looking at other areas of their squad that they could strengthen, with options being explored in wide areas as well.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Everton are exploring a move for Celtic star Daizen Maeda to back up Jack Grealish.
Grealish has made a scintillating start to his Everton career, registering four assists in his first five starts under Moyes.
Maeda would struggle to dislodge Grealish from Everton’s line-up, but the Japanese winger would help Everton in one particular area.
Daizen Maeda’s pressing would boost Everton’s European bid
Speaking in 2024, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers described Maeda as the world’s best at pressing, an area in which Everton could use help.
“It starts at the front. And I would doubt there’s anyone better in world football than Daizen Maeda in that context,” Rodgers said.
“It’s the will and desire to do it, which most players won’t have. He could have easily dropped that press. He didn’t have to do that one. He actually got to the centre-half before the guy that should have got there.
“It’s incredible – it’s unbelievable pressing. But that’s mentality.”
Everton rank seventh lowest in the Premier League for tackles in the final third this season, suggesting they aren’t a high pressing side.
| Premier League tackles in attacking third | Stat | Rank |
| Manchester United | 15 | 11 |
| Chelsea | 14 | 12 |
| Manchester City | 14 | 13 |
| Everton | 13 | 14 |
| Liverpool | 12 | 15 |
| Burnley | 11 | 16 |
| Crystal Palace | 9 | 17 |
| Aston Villa | 8 | 18 |
| Newcastle United | 8 | 19 |
| West Ham United | 8 | 20 |
As Everton push to finish higher in the Premier League under Moyes, the Scotsman’s side will hope they can improve at winning the ball higher up the pitch.
Maeda would provide a cure to Everton’s pressing woes as Moyes looks to push his side into the European places in the Premier League.