How Jean-Matteo Bahoya compares to Jack Grealish as Everton get serious
Everton's interest in Jean-Matteo Bahoya could affect their plans to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City.
The City winger spent last season on loan with the Blues, and it is widely hoped he will join again for the upcoming campaign.
Everton are understood to have been waiting to see how he recovered from a foot injury sustained last season, though he looks to be over it after playing in the Community Shield on Sunday.
It seems that David Moyes and his side are still looking for alternatives, though, and the Eintracht Frankfurt man could be just that.
The Toffees have been mentioned as a potential destination for the player who is the fastest in the Bundesliga.
Goodison News takes a look at how the players compare as the Merseysiders face a decision.
Is Jean-Matteo Bahoya similar to Jack Grealish?
Bahoya is attracting interest from Everton ahead of the summer transfer window closing.
The 21-year-old played 27 games in the German top flight last season, while Grealish only played 20 times due to injury.
He is highly rated in Germany, with Markus Krosche, a board member in Frankfurt, describing him as a player with “incredible ability".
The former notched three goals and four assists, while Grealish grabbed two goals and six assists.
Bahoya averaged 1.96 shots and 2.10 chances created on a per 90 basis, while the 30-year-old managed 1.43 shots and the same figure for creation, per FotMob data.
Grealish took more touches in the opposition box, with 5.79 per game, compared to the younger man's 4.81.
If Everton signed Bahoya, it would surely end their pursuit of their former loan star.
Who is the better option for Everton?
The data suggests that while Bahoya shoots more, he is not necessarily the more dangerous player.
Grealish gets into the most harmful positions more often, and creates more assists for his teammates.
Moyes faces a difficult call, as signing the Frenchman may make it more difficult to sign the Citizens ace.
It could make him think twice about making the move, and perhaps more importantly, there would not be a need for him anymore, as they already have the wings covered.
Grealish is the better player, but the margin is not too big, and the Toffees may decide that the younger player is a better investment if their interest materialises.