Michael Ball urges Everton to sign Jesse Lingard this summer
Everton have been urged to sign Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard this summer by former player Michael Ball.
Lingard enjoyed a resurgence on loan at West Ham towards the end of last season and despite returning to his parent club, he’s still on the radar of the London side. [Sky Sports]
The Toffees are also looking to bolster their attacking ranks this summer, but there aren’t any credible reports linking them to the England international.
However, Ball believes that he’s someone, along with Chelsea’s Ross Barkley, they desperately need for next season.
Speaking to Transfer Tavern, he said, “They’re [Lingard and Barkley] two players Everton need, two players Everton were crying out for last year.
“We were very slow and passive in that sort of No.10, third-man run midfield area.
“Jesse’s loan was very successful at West Ham, so it’s no surprise that Everton are interested in him.”
No thank you
Lingard’s the kind of player who performs best when the pressure’s taken off him which is fine, but eventually, there has to be reliance on the ones that start week in and week out.
At West Ham, the bar was set incredibly low and many believed that it was a pointless acquisition for David Moyes’ men.
This was ideal for Lingard and with the lack of pressure, he managed to get the numbers and put himself in contention for the England Euro 2020 squad.
Now, Man United want to keep him and West Ham are keen on signing him, which means there’s going to be pressure on him this year and he’s most likely to crumble under it.
We need attackers who will play every game and know that there is pressure on them to deliver and perform each team they play.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin began last season strongly but did not seem overawed by the situation when he was one in contention for the Golden Boot.
He kept scoring goals at crucial junctures and we need more players like the England forward and Lingard is unlikely to be a good fit for us if we see him as a regular starter.
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