Everton Opinion: Why the Toffees should go all out to sign Nicolas Nkoulou?

Everton have endured an inconsistent campaign, with Marco Silva failing to challenge the top six despite spending a lot of money in the summer transfer window. The Toffees have dropped down to the bottom half of the table, thanks to their dismal form of late that includes just one win in five.

Silva’s problems, unfortunately, don’t end there as Everton could face a potential burnout of options at the end of the season. Skipper Phil Jagielka will turn 36 and Kurt Zouma is expected to return to Chelsea following the expiry of his loan spell.

That would leave Everton with Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate, who’ll return back to the club after his loan stint with West Brom.

If the Toffees are to challenge the Big Six next season, they need to invest in a couple of top defenders in the summer. To put things into perspective, Silva should make a move for Torino star Nicolas Nkoulou.

Nicolas Nkoulou, 28, has been in inspiring form this season, helping Torino to sixth in the table. Torino have the fourth joint-best defensive record in Serie A, conceding just 23 goals in 27 games and the Cameroonian has played a big part in achieving that.

His superb defensive displays had caught Arsenal’s attention; although a move didn’t materialise in the January transfer window. The 28-year-old is under contract at Torino until 2020, and a key part of the side managed by Walter Mazzarri.

Given Nkoulou will have just a year left in his contract this summer, Everton could hope to land him in a cut-price deal.

In Nkoulou, Everton would get a strong, physical and robust defender who can also operate as a defensive midfielder. He has a decent turn of pace and is also sound on the ball, rarely panicking in pressure situations.

The Cameroon international is excellent in the air and wins almost every aerial duel. He is an excellent tackler in one-on-situation and while the 28-year-old is also a good reader of the game, Nkoulou’s biggest strengths are his rough defending and leadership skills.

Conclusion

Everton are in dire need of defensive reinforcements in the summer and Nkoulou could be a fantastic signing for Silva’s side.

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His leadership, composure on the ball and no-nonsense defending will prove to be vital in the Toffees’ bid for solving their defensive woes as well as challenging for a place in Europe.