Everton missed out on Anthony Elanga because of decision over style of play
Everton transfer target Anthony Elanga decided to join Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest over a move to Goodison Park due to their style of play, according to Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan.
Keegan shared via his personal Twitter account on 24 July, that the Manchester United winger decided to move to Nottingham Forest as he feels more at home with Steve Cooper’s style of play than Sean Dyche’s, with Forest now expected to confirm the signing in the near future.
Everton were linked with a move for Elanga throughout the summer transfer window, but have ultimately missed out as the player agreed to a £15million deal with the East Midlands club, according to the Daily Mail [21 July].
Everton don’t need players that aren’t prepared to work
Ultimately, Sean Dyche’s footballing ‘philosophy’ entails every one of his players working hard and putting in a shift for the team. If any player is not prepared to put in the level of effort the boss demands, then they aren’t needed at Goodison Park.
Steve Cooper’s style of play at Forest isn’t stylistically ‘prettier’ than Dyche’s, with both systems first and foremost prioritising defensive structure, although it may be slightly quicker and more direct in counter-attacking after a turnover of possession.
If the decision simply comes down to not being prepared to work as hard as Dyche may demand, then Everton are better suited looking at other options. The boss’ training sessions, particularly in pre-season, are famously demanding, with players recently commenting on gaffer’s day sessions.
Everton have been targeting forward players all summer, and will now move on following missing out on Elanga, with Willy Gnonto still heavily linked, while Arnaut Danjuma has finally made the move to Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, a Premier League club are preparing to open talks over £12m Everton winger.