Why David Moyes would love Raoul Bellanova as Everton right-back hunt continues

Raoul Bellanova is one of the many names that have been linked in Everton's full-back search.

The Italian defender is currently employed by Serie A side Atalanta but his future remains up in the air.

The Toffees are desperate for a right-sided full-back, with Jake O'Brien the only likely contracted player who can play there to still be at Hill Dickinson come September.

David Moyes will have plenty to say over who is targeted, but one quality that Bellanova possesses could sway him.

And the move could ultimately benefit both the Toffees and the player, with The Times reporting Everton's interest in Bellanova last month.

A closer look at what a previous manager has said about him says it all about why Moyes is interested in the Italian.

Why David Moyes can mould Raoul Bellanova into his perfect full-back

A new right-back will be a priority for Everton and it would be quite the surprise if it was not on the agenda.

Seamus Coleman's departure and the lack of trust in Nathan Patterson leaves David Moyes with limited options.

Targeting the perfect full-back can be difficult, but quotes about target Bellanova could make him the right addition for the Toffees.

While he was at Torino, manager Ivan Juric made a claim that will surely please Moyes.

Juric said about the full-back in 2024, as relayed by FC Inter 1908: "His exponential growth? When you find guys who are willing to work, everything becomes simple. You show them situations to enhance their characteristics, and they accept it with enthusiasm and grow.

"It's like that with Raoul. He has his talents, he likes to listen, to learn, he's very eager and he's growing impressively, he's also providing assists and doing well in defence. That was his weak point and now he's doing very well."

With Bellanova clearly able to adapt to the criticism and advice he receives from his manager, it could allow Moyes to transform him into what he is wanting from the wide areas.

And the Blues could finally solve a problem position that has long been needing a refreshment.

Bellanova would solve multiple problems for Everton

As would nearly any right-back signing, Bellanova would allow O'Brien to shift back into central defence.

Additionally, the Italian completes nearly twice as many key passes per game (0.9) as O'Brien (0.5) did from right-back last season, as per Sofascore.

The 26-year-old's ground duel success of 67 per cent also make him a valiant defender at the back.

With a player who can seemingly pick up and utilise advice easily, a move seems like a no-brainer for Everton.

However, time will tell who Everton decide on, with West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka also another name on the shortlist.