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Everton signing this solid Serie A powerhouse would be key to fixing defensive troubles

Why Armando Izzo would be a smart signing for Everton

Back in July, Italian daily Tuttosport (h/t Liverpool Echo) had claimed that Everton were interested in signing Torino defender Armando Izzo. However, a deal didn’t go through during the summer transfer window.

Armando Izzo, 27, joined Torino from Genoa last summer and has quickly established himself as one of the integral members of their first-team squad. He notched up 37 appearances in Serie A last term and his consistent performances for Torino didn’t go unnoticed.

However, the defender stayed put at Torino and signed a new five-year deal. The Italian international has hit the ground running in the new campaign, scoring three goals in 16 games across all competitions. With Izzo continuing to impress at Torino, Everton must rekindle their interest in him during the January transfer window.

Armando Izzo has been a consistent performer for Torino. (Getty Images)
Armando Izzo has been a consistent performer for Torino. (Getty Images)

With the Toffees facing a potential relegation battle, the time is right for Marco Silva to do something about it.

The Portuguese tactician must turn things around quickly if he is to keep his job at Everton. One position he must definitely reinforce is the defence, which has leaked 18 goals so far.

Michael Keane’s series of poor performances led to him being axed from the first-team, with Silva deploying Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate against Tottenham. While Holgate looked solid, he cannot be relied upon for the entire campaign. Plus, Mina’s injury problems mean even the Colombian remains untrustworthy.

To put things into perspective, the Toffees need more quality and depth in their defensive ranks. And signing Armando Izzo could be a solution to Everton’s defensive problems.

Everton players celebrate after scoring a goal against West Ham. (Getty Images)
Everton players celebrate after scoring a goal against West Ham. (Getty Images)

Standing at 6ft tall, Izzo isn’t the most physically dominating defender but he has the ability to win a lot of aerial duels. He has averaged 3.1 aerial duels won, whilst making 1.3 tackles, 2.7 interceptions and 3.5 clearances in the Serie A this season. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com]

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The aforementioned stats suggest that the Italian is a no-nonsense, tough-tackling defender and Everton must definitely consider Izzo.

Verdict

At 27, Izzo is perhaps entering the prime stages of his career and thus, the Torino man would be a good fit at Everton.