Why Everton must make a move for Benfica defender Morato this summer
According to O Jogo, cited by Sport Witness (h/t The Liverpool Echo), Everton have scouted Benfica defender Morato on Tuesday against Liverpool in the UEFA Youth League. It is understood that the Premier League club have been impressed with what they’ve seen from him so far.
Morato, 18, has been a regular fixture for Benfica B in Liga Pro this season, playing 14 times. Overall, he has made 24 appearances for the Portuguese club’s youth side. The Brazilian helped Benfica beat Liverpool 4-1 in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday, playing the full match.
The teenager is fighting hard to earn a place in Benfica’s senior team, having made only one cup appearance for them so far. The report (h/t The Liverpool Echo) adds former Everton manager Marco Silva recommended Morato and the Merseysiders have since kept tabs on the young defender.
Everton are currently 11th in the table, improving significantly under Carlo Ancelotti after a disastrous first few months under Marco Silva. The Merseyside club are now challenging for a place in Europe, with Ancelotti bringing positive energy to the club.
The attack has been led brilliantly by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as they have both transformed their game under the new manager. The same cannot be said about the team’s defence, with neither Yerry Mina nor Michael Keane performing consistently this campaign.
Mason Holgate has been one of the most improved players under Ancelotti’s tutelage, with the defender recently committing his future at the club by signing a new five-year deal.
However, the Toffees still lack quality and depth at the back and the manager must make it a top priority to address it during the summer transfer window. That said, Ancelotti should look to recruit Morato ahead of the 2020/21 season.
Morato has played for several teams within Benfica’s setup this season since moving from Sao Paulo last summer, including the Under-19s, the Under-23s, and Benfica B. He has also made one first-team appearance for Benfica, in the Allianz Cup.
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Despite the lack of first-team experience, Morato has been a regular fixture for Benfica B and certainly sounds like a great prospect for Everton. At just 18, the Brazilian may not be a big-name signing but he has the potential to be a valuable addition to the Toffees backline. With experience, he could develop himself under Ancelotti’s tutelage.
Verdict
Come summer, Everton must make a swift move and lure Morato to Goodison Park. By doing so, the Toffees would have a talented player who can sharpen his skills in the Premier League and potentially go on to play for them in the long run.
