Everton need to invest in Real Mallorca’s Iddrisu Baba as midfield reinforcement
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s absence is proving an ordeal for Everton and they need to invest in some appropriate reinforcement in the form of Iddrisu Baba.
Doucoure has been brilliant in the 2021/22 season’s early stages, starring for an Everton side who commenced matters in great form. The Frenchman had been the dynamic pivot at the heart of the Toffees side and had notched two goals and four assists by matchday seven.
He has, however, been absent for Everton’s last two Premier League fixtures, which have spelt disaster and put pressure on Rafael Benitez at the helm – something unthinkable just a few weeks prior.
Against Watford, a shocking and complete collapse led to a 5-2 destruction at Goodison Park. One of the main areas for concern was in midfield, where the deputising Tom Davies – despite scoring an early goal – was clearly not up to the task of recreating the same marauding, tenacious and destructively dominant presence that Doucoure provides.
Last time out, the same area was left wanting as Benitez’s men fell to a 2-1 defeat at Wolves. Forced into trying the clearly unready Jean-Philippe Gbamin too early, Benitez found his side overrun and commanded in midfield. A change of system was the necessary course of action to regain some element of control.
The need for suitable reinforcement in central midfield has become abundantly clear in recent weeks. As a result, the Toffees should act upon their links to Real Mallorca’s Iddrisu Babu when January comes around [La Razon].
In a similar vein to Doucoure, the Ghanaian international as an imposing, athletic and dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
Previously linked to both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, the 25-year-old possess fantastic spatial awareness and close control, giving him the ability to wriggle out of tight spots and evade opposition press from deep – a valuable skill in modern Premier League football.
His presence isn’t felt too much in the final third, although his sensational knack for dribbling upfield facilitates his contribution to offensive phases greatly, as explained by La Liga Analaysis.
Defensively, he provides a resilient screen to the back four by acting as the hoover in the centre of the field and stifling opposition moves – aided by his capability of covering huge amounts of ground. Having played 918 minutes of La Liga football this season, the Ghanaian ranks second for ball recoveries per 90 minutes (6.08) among all players with over 450 minutes of action (fbRef).
Generally speaking, he’s the type of midfielder that’s made for a two-man central pairing. A lack of this type of player, in Doucoure’s absence, has cost Everton dearly. It’s clear that a January swoop is necessary.
And considering Mallorca’s willingness to move him on below his £38million release clause [La Razon], Everton should certainly attempt to bring him to Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have blocked Salomon Rondon from going away on international duty.