View: Signing Isco could take Ancelotti’s Everton to the next level
Real Madrid star Isco continues to be linked with a move to Goodison Park and the Spaniard could prove to be a stunning addition to the Everton side.
The latest reports about the Spaniard’s future indicate that he wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, with CalcioMercato recently reporting that the player has turned down a move to Juventus in favour of the Premier League and Everton.
With James Rodriguez settling to life in the Premier League very quickly this season, the prospect of seeing him line up alongside Isco is a mouthwatering one for Everton supporters.
While primarily an attacking midfielder, the Colombian has mainly been used on the wing this season.
Meanwhile, the majority of Isco’s eight LaLiga appearances this season have come in a central starting berth – so it is not too difficult to envisage how they could start in the same team together, especially if Ancelotti returns to his favoured 4-3-3 system.
Rodriguez’s contributions have taken Everton up a level in the Premier League this season – he has three goals and three assists in 10 appearances – but the addition of Isco could elevate the club further.
When comparing the two player’s form this season, Isco is attempting more dribbles than Rodriguez with 4.54 on average per 90 minutes compared to the latter’s 3.7, as per Wyscout.
The Real Madrid star also outperforms Rodriguez when it comes to progressive runs (3.28 to 0.99) per 90 minutes, as well as having more touches in the penalty area, according to Wyscout.
On the ball, Isco continues to look like an attractive proposition. According to Wyscout, he has completed 85.3% of his passes, compared to Rodriguez’s 81.9% and averages eight more forward passes per 90 minutes.
One does not necessarily have to come without the other, but using Rodriguez as a benchmark highlights the added quality that Isco could bring to this Everton side going forward.
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