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Everton’s attack would receive a massive boost if they manage to land this Russian prodigy in January

Why Everton should target Russian youngster Fyodor Chalov in January

Plying his trade with CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premier League, Fyodor Chalov is currently one of the hottest young properties outside the top five leagues in Europe.

The highly-rated CSKA Moscow academy graduate has made eyeballs turn with his consistently impressive performances in the Russian top-flight. The 20-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough season in the 2016/17 campaign where he made his debut and scored 6 goals from 15 appearances.

Chalov wasn’t a regular for his club last season but still managed to chip in with 6 goals and 4 assists in 20 appearances, only 10 of which have been starts. However, he has taken his game to a new level this season after missing out on Russia’s World Cup squad earlier in the year, establishing himself as CSKA Moscow’s first-choice striker.

Chalov has scored a staggering 9 goals and has created another 3 from 16 appearances in the Russian Premier League this season, numbers which are quite incredible for a 20-year-old centre-forward.

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The Russian averages 3.3 shots and 1.9 key passes per game this term in the Russian top-flight, which speak volumes about his talent as a prolific frontman.

Standing at 5ft 11in with a stocky frame, Chalov is not capable of stamping his authority in the air, which is probably the biggest drawback in his game. However, he makes up for it with his technique and poaching instincts inside the box.

His sound technique allows him to bring the ball down with ease and keep good close control under pressure, attributes which are really important for a centre-forward. His razor-sharp reflexes and the killer instincts of a poacher allow him to get on the end of through balls and crosses.

In other words, he keeps sniffing around the penalty area, lurking rather, for a single chance to come his way and he is adept at latching onto loose balls in the final third.

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Known for his stamina and work rate, Chalov constantly makes probing runs behind the defenders and his impressive pressing off the ball has earned him a lot of plaudits, not allowing the centre-backs a moment of peace. In other words, Chalov can be a constant nuisance for the opposition’s defence with his tireless running and pressing. Furthermore, he has already proven his clinical nature in front of the goal and his composure is incredible for a player of his age.

To put things into perspective, Everton should make a move for the talented Russian youngster in January. The fact that Nikola Vlasic is on loan at CSKA Moscow should help the Toffees keep closer tabs on Fyodor Chalov.

Everton currently sit 6th in the Premier League standings and the Toffees have steadied the ship after a lacklustre start to their campaign under new manager Marco Silva. They have played an aesthetic free-flowing brand of football this season and Silva’s attacking philosophy has brought the best out of summer recruits Richarlison and Bernard.

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However, the failure of Cenk Tosun to deliver the goods as the spearhead of the attack has been a major concern for the Merseysiders this season, forcing Silva to field Richarlison as a No.9. Tosun has been too statuesque in the final third and has looked way off the pace, a glaring misfit for Everton’s free-flowing style of play which necessitates the players to make incisive runs.

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the go-to backup for Silva but Everton need more depth in their attack to challenge for a top-five finish. As talented as Calvert-Lewin is, Chalov already has the experience of playing in the Champions League and the Europa League, and has an appealing profile for a 20-year-old striker.

Everton should make a move for the talented Russian sniper in January.