Why Everton should reignite their interest in Mariano Diaz
Back in October 2019, a report from The Boot Room (h/t Liverpool Echo) had claimed that Everton were interested in signing Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz. It was also reported that the Los Blancos were desperate to offload the 27-year-old for a fee of around €15million in the January window (El Desmarque h/t Liverpool Echo).
However, Diaz ended up staying put at Real Madrid despite widespread speculation over his future at the Bernabeu. The Spaniard, though, has continued to struggle for regular game time and is very much a peripheral figure in Zinedine Zidane’s set-up at the Bernabeu.
Diaz would add more depth to Everton’s attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has really come to the fore this season after an impressive campaign last time around at Goodison Park that saw him bag 13 goals in the Premier League. The former Sheffield United man has struck 8 goals in 8 league outings for the Toffees so far this term, making him the joint top-scorer in the division alongside Jamie Vardy, Mo Salah and Heung-min Son.
Everton’s goal-machine has been ably supported by the likes of James Rodriguez and Richarlison up top. But the Toffees have found it difficult to maintain the same quality and firepower in front of goal whenever any of their first-choice attackers have been sidelined with an injury or suspension.
In other words, Everton need a quality alternative for Calvert-Lewin in front of goal. Richarlison is more than capable of leading the line but the Brazilian’s qualities are undoubtedly better utilised on the flanks. With Cenk Tosun out of favour and Moise Kean out on loan, it goes without saying that the Toffees need another out-and-out striker to ensure healthy competition for places up top.
Putting things into context, Everton making a renewed attempt to sign Mariano Diaz in January would offer Carlo Ancelotti some quality cover in a key area of the pitch. The Spaniard has seen his career wasted away due to lack of game time at Madrid but remains a quality striker capable of delivering the goods at the highest level.
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Verdict
Mariano Diaz proved his pedigree as a striker at Lyon during the 2017-18 season and has always looked threatening whenever he has been afforded an opportunity at Madrid. Having trained with some of the best players in the world at the Bernabeu, Diaz would undoubtedly add a lot of depth and experience to Everton’s striking ranks.
The 27-year-old still has his best years ahead of him and given his bit-part role in Madrid’s set-up, Everton should definitely fancy their chances of snapping him up at a reasonable fee during the mid-season trading period.
