Why Everton would be playing with fire amid Tim Iroegbunam exit talk as numbers prove true value
Tim Iroegbunam continues to be linked with a move away from Everton this summer.
The Toffees have already seen plenty of change within their squad.
Both Seamus Colemana and Idrissa Gueye have left gaping holes of experience following the expiry of their contracts.
The Blues are not standing still, and that loss of experience is looking to be replaced amid reports of Christian Norgaard to Everton.
Hayden Hackney has already arrived to strentghend in the midfield but if Iroegbunam were to leave, then another midfielder would have to arrive.
And based on his statistics from last season, the Blues may have to be careful what they wish for.
The three Premier League stats that Tim Iroegbunam leads among midfielders
There are plenty world-class midfielders competing in the Premier League so coming out at the very top in any of them is quite the feat.
And last season, Iroegbunam actually emerged top for three different data points.
While the Englishman has not been a world-beater in Merseyside, Everton could live to regret letting him go based on a few statistics.
Among all Premier League midfielder as per Data.MB, Iroegbunam ranked first for defensive duels won per 90 (5.79) while he also leads the way with sliding tackles per 90 (1.73)
Iroegbunam is also not afraid to get himself in front of the ball either, as he came first for shots blocked per 90 among Premier League midfielders last season.
Iroegbunam is also one of the best ball-winners in the Premier League, as he wins possession 11.52 times per 90. The third-highest among his fellow midfielders.
While Iroegbunam will have his critics and at times can be frustrating on the pitch, those statistics prove he has something that few can provide in the English top-flight.
Why Hull City's owner could provide Iroegbunam update soon
Hull City's owner, Acun Ilicali, is quite the enigmatic figure and after he released hints over the Tigers' transfer targets previously, he looks set to do the same again.
With Hull City one of the sides firmly linked to the future of Iroegbunam, Ilicali's update in the next day should paint a picture of how close a deal is.
If Iroegbunam is truly on the newly-promoted sides' radar, then Everton supporters could expect to see him release an English flag emoji with a percentage of how close a transfer is.
That was the method as to how he released their shortlist last time.