Everton swoop for young defender Ismael Doukoure would fit Ancelotti plans
Everton have been linked with a move for defender Ismael Doukoure and he could be an ideal signing for Carlo Ancelotti.
According to La Voix Des Sportes the Toffees are one of a number of clubs interested in the highly-rated Valenciennes prospect, who is just 17.
Arsenal and Barcelona are also said to be keen on the centre-back and he could be available for €6-8million [£5.2-£6.9million], per the report.
That would be a bargain, as according to a former coach, Olivier Bijotat, Doukoure is a “phenomenon” who possesses several similarities to Dayot Upamecano, who is rated at £54m by Transfermarkt.
There is plenty to like about the youngster and he has several attributes which fit Everton’s current style.
Doukoure has held his own for Valenciennes in Ligue 2 this year and has averaged 4.1 interceptions per game and has won 86% of his sliding tackles, per WyScout.
Perhaps more importantly, he has displayed his ball-playing prowess, with 87% pass accuracy.
To show such composure and ability with the ball at a young age is very impressive and indicates he could be quite a find for Everton.
Ancelotti sides pride themselves on keeping the ball well.
The Everton squad has averaged 81% pass accuracy this term – per WhoScored– and centre-backs Michael Keane and Yerry Mina have been a central part of that.
Per WhoScored, they have managed 88% and 90% pass accuracy respectively.
Doukoure is not far off that standard now, and with more game time under his belt he could reach their standards and slot in well alongside the duo.
Ancelotti is a manager who shows a lot of trust in young players, so Doukoure is an intriguing prospect.
Tom Davies and Mason Holgate have both developed under the Italian, and he may be keen to sign more young players with an eye on the future.
Per The Guardian, Ancelotti wants to be at Everton beyond 2024.
He has a project in place and signing young players like Doukoure could be a key part of that – Marcel Brands must look to complete a deal because of that.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports journo shares major transfer update on ‘Courageous’ Everton ace, talks imminent.
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