Go For It Koeman – Why Everton Should Make Sure They Land This Experienced Defender

Why Everton Should Land West Ham’s Winston Reid This Summer

Everton have been by far the busiest club in the transfer market this summer but it is understandable, as they have lost their top goal scorer from the previous season in Romelu Lukaku. The Merseyside outfit have now added a number of players to their first team, for different roles, but they are still in search of a defender, who can partner Ashley Williams and new arrival Michael Keane at the back this season.

A number of names have been thrown into the mix recently but one player Ronald Koeman is desperate for, by the looks of it, is West Ham star, Winston Reid.

The skipper of the London outfit, Reid is one of the most established defenders in the Premier League, and is easily the best of the lot at the London Stadium at the moment. According to a number of reports from England, the Hammers have rejected Everton’s £9m move for the player this summer. It is unclear whether West Ham are ready to offload him at a higher price, but is he the right man for Everton?

Known for his determined defending as a centre back, Reid made 30 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, before picking up an injury late last season. He is now back in training and is ready for action. He would basically walk into the first team at the Goodison Park.

Though not a great passer of the ball, the New Zealand international is a no-nonsense defender, who hates opponents playing in his box. He is dominant and aggressive and at 29, is an established defender, with 149 appearances in the Premier League to his name.

He is slightly injury prone but is an upgrade on most of the names in the team sheet for Everton at the moment. The Toffees have already spent on former Manchester United starlet Michael Keane but the likes of Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Roberto Funes Mori are all not expected to be the first choice next season and Reid could partner Keane as the first choice for Koeman, without much trouble.

The Dutch manager loves his players to be confident of their abilities and will play to their strengths this season. In Keane and Reid, he will have a balanced centre-back partnership. They are players who would complement each other well.

Keane is young and is still learning the game, making Reid the senior. If they can play together often, they will push each other to become better, helping the whole side. So Everton should return with another bid, to lure the 29-year old out of Slaven Bilic’s grip this summer.