Why Everton should go all out to sign Brighton’s Lewis Dunk in January

Back in November 2018, the Express had claimed that Everton were interested in signing Brighton defender Lewis Dunk. However, a deal didn’t go through in January 2019.

Lewis Dunk, 28, has proven himself to be a reliable and highly committed presence at the heart of Brighton’s backline during the last two Premier League seasons.

He is a Brighton boy through and through, helping the club win top-flight promotion in 2017. The English defender also helped the Seagulls avoid relegation last season under Chris Hughton.

The 28-year-old has hit the ground running in the new campaign under Graham Potter, managing two goals and as many assists in 17 games. With Dunk continuing to impress in Brighton colours, Everton must renew their interest in the centre-back during the winter transfer window.

The Toffees have got the Carlo Ancelotti era off to a good start by beating Burnley and Newcastle. With matches coming thick and fast, it is an apt moment for Ancelotti to get an early overall assessment of all the players he has inherited.

Nonetheless, the newly-appointed Everton manager must prioritise strengthening the defence, which has looked shaky throughout the season. Mason Holgate has been a breath of fresh air at the back of late but question marks remain over Yerry Mina and Michael Keane.

Mina and Keane have struggled together this season, with opponents exploiting their lack of pace often. Thus, it’s an absolute no-brainer for the Toffees to invest on a new centre-back in January and Lewis Dunk would be a smart addition.

Over the last couple of seasons, Dunk has proved himself in the Premier League and has shown that he can succeed in the top-tier of English football. As per WhoScored, the England international has registered 1.2 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 3.3 clearances and 0.7 blocks in the Premier League this season.

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With 86.6% pass success rate and 5.7 long balls, the 28-year-old’s composure on the ball is evident. Add to that his two goals and two assists, the defender is more than capable of influencing things going forward.

Verdict

At the age of 28, Dunk, who has been on the books of Brighton his entire career so far, has probably entered the peak of his career. The English defender is at the top of his game and his displays for the Seagulls in the Premier League suggest that he’ll thrive under Ancelotti at Everton.