With N’Diaye gone, Everton cannot afford another window to react. The reason is simple: arrange a replacement as early as possible and Matias Fernandez Pardo is considered the ideal candidate.
Rumors surrounding N’Diaye leaving Everton have intensified, with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly interested. The key for me is how we respond this time because we’ve made so many mistakes in the past when we’ve lost better talent.
We never seemed to have a plan like teams like Brighton, Brentford or Bournemouth, and that’s what has to change if we’re to get it right.
Exchange first, sell later
If we knew he was leaving, we should have let someone in before allowing him to leave, not after. It sends a clear message to players, fans and the rest of the Premier League that as a club we are now operating differently.
It also helps us avoid bending over the barrel of the clubs we buy because when you wait until the last minute, everyone can see what you’re trying to do.
Why Fernandez Pardo stands out
One name I mentioned that we should follow was Matias Fernandez Pardo from Lille. I said early in the season that we should consider making a move on this kid while we still could before he progresses further and gets sniffed out by the big clubs. We may have missed the opportunity but he would have been a real signing and would certainly soften the blow of losing Ndiaye.
At just 21 years old, Fernandez Pardo is already regarded as one of the most promising attacking talents in Ligue 1. At 6-foot-2, he doesn’t have the size of an average winger, but he combines impressive physical attributes with the technical qualities required of a modern wide player.
Style, character and what he brings to the table
His preferred position is on the left wing where he prefers to cut inside with his stronger right foot, but he is also capable of playing across the entire front line. Lille have recently started using him as a centre-forward this season, and he also plays as a second striker and on the opposite flank. This versatility is one of his greatest assets.
The most outstanding feature of his game is his dribbling ability. He drives forward with possession, supports himself in one-on-one situations and advances the ball into dangerous areas. He’s an aggressive dribbler who wants to attack defenders and create opportunities for himself or his teammates, and with his size and athleticism, once he builds momentum, he’s difficult to stop.
Off the ball, he is a smart mover, able to make timely runs into the box and find space between the defensive lines. His pace and work rate feel to me like he would be a perfect fit for the intensity of the Premier League and I always think players from France tend to find their groove very quickly.
Risk, price and more importantly
There’s still some development to be done and that’s why we might have a chance to get this lad. His shooting can be inconsistent, and his final production hasn’t quite matched his overall production. At times he might hold on to the ball too long or make poor decisions in the final third, but that’s pretty standard for a winger trying to make things happen.
I think he’s going to be a great fit for us because he’s more effective in the open field than he is against deep, tight zones and against any team in the post against us.
Lille seem to be putting a lot of clubs in trouble when it comes to selling players, so I don’t think he’s cheap. Nonetheless, if we get £55/65m for N’Diaye (as rumored), then paying around £40/50m for Fernandez Pardo would represent a replacement and an investment, especially if he fits our counter-attacking transition, can cover the entire frontline, and has the physical attributes that Moyes prefers.
It would be a real coup if we could get him: a young, dynamic attacker with top-level ball-carrying ability, positional flexibility and real star potential. Give the boy an autograph
Discuss rumors and transfers on our page
Discuss rumors and transfers on our page
Discuss rumors and transfers on our page
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