Why Diego Llorente would be a smart signing for Everton

Back in July, a report from Daily Mail had claimed Everton were interested in signing Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente.

Diego Llorente, 26, was previously on the books of Real Madrid but ended up leaving Los Blancos after failing to break into the first-team. However, he has impressed with Real Sociedad since joining two years ago and has started the 2019/20 campaign well.

The 26-year-old has been a regular at the Anoeta Stadium and has represented the Spanish national team on five occasions. Given his consistent performances for Sociedad in the La Liga, Everton must rekindle their interest in the Madrid-born defender when the transfer window reopens.

Everton wanted to sign Kurt Zouma from Chelsea after his successful loan spell at the club last season but as the Blues were under a two-window transfer ban, Frank Lampard was reluctant to let go of the Frenchman after the sale of David Luiz to Arsenal.

Nevertheless, the Toffees did sign Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz. But the 24-year-old has been ruled out for a further three months after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury sustained in August. The Ivory Coast international made only two appearances for Marco Silva’s side before damaging his quadriceps muscle in training.

That has left Silva with only three fit centre-backs in Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate, although the former had spells on the sidelines last season.

With Keane underperforming this season and Holgate a good squad player, the Everton boss must strengthen his defence with the addition of Diego Llorente. He has made his name as one of La Liga’s most impressive centre-backs since moving to the Anoeta from Real Madrid in 2017.

Standing at 6ft 1in tall, he isn’t the most imposing of defenders, but reads the game well and can play out from the back with the utmost ease. Due to his technique, composure on the ball and tackling ability, the Spaniard can also operate as a defensive midfielder when required.

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The former Real Madrid man has the skillset to adjust to the playing style of Silva in an Everton shirt. In fact, the 26-year-old possesses the qualities to improve on the options the Toffees have in central defence.

Verdict

Therefore, we can conclude by saying that Everton must sign Llorente from Real Sociedad. He would improve the Merseysiders’ defensive ranks, whilst adding depth to the squad as well.