Everton agree deal for Algerian centre half

I would like to believe that this deal could happen, for several reasons: left-sided defender, good age, has versatility in a number of positions, and above all, a fee that wouldn't cripple us.

Also wouldn't believe any 'wide of the mark' comments by the Echo, let's just wait and see if there is any actual mileage in this one.

I saw a very good write-up on this player from an Algerian football fan online, in light of Everton's interest. Thought it could be quite useful here.

"He is a young CB from the lauded Paradou Academy in Algeria.

Primarily left-footed, he is still decently ambidextrous

He has incredible ball control, passing range, vision, and technique on the ball (also posses a wicked shot and great jumping/heading threat). This comfort on the ball is the main reason that Marcelo Bielsa pestered his management in Lille to sign him, because he is excellent ball playing defender.

As mentioned above, his skillset has lent to him being able to very comfortably fit into left back or even as a defensive midfielder, since he can playmake, spread the ball, recycle possession, and probably has a better first touch than most midfielders. In games vs good attacking sides, he can be played there as an added line of defense, but won't damage possession or attacking lay that much.

Decently fast, and thus is sometimes played as a leftback. Good shot, OK crosses, but his technique can really shine here (how many defenders can casually do this?) (https://.twitter.com/Nabil_djellit/status/962809420060286977)

That being said, his weaknesses are very annoying to me (as a Algerian who has seen Algeria suffer due to a trash defense). Firstly, he is prone to loosing focus in matches, such as taking a risky pass, doing too much on his own, doing something complicated that looks great when is pulled off, but when its not he just gave the ball away in a hugely costly position. Good news is its its probably easily coached out of him, and he typically only does that when he gets frustrated/the team is doing poorly. Second for such a big man, he has absolutely no clue how to use his size imo. Again, I think a good defensive coach/mentor can easily teach him (especial int he Prem where it is physical) but I cant tell you its really frustrating to see him lose a shoulder to shoulder on a guy half his size because he went in too soft, and then immediately after earn a yellow due to coming in way too hard. I believe that some people in /r/AlgerianFootball think his tackling is also weak, but I would say it mostly stems from sometimes not being able to properly challenge a ball due to not knowing how to properly use his size. His sliding tackling is nonetheless fantastic, but his standing tackle suffers from this. Stuff that can be coached with a decent coach/a few session hitting the gym (I think he needs to bulk up a little to play CB in the prem).

Personally, I think you have a fantastic young player on your hands who has a chance to be among the very best CB's eventually. Anytime I watch him, I think of a left footed Pique, who is a little faster/better first touch and so can play FB or CDM, but suffers from not yet being that solid presence at the back yet, which is kind of a defender's main job. I don't think Pique is the best 1v1 defender either, but in a possession based system he is a perfect fit as his skillset enables him to shine and stand out as WC (even though he doesn't have the best tackling), and I think becoming that sort of defender is the path that Bensebaini will take."

In short - the Algerian John Stones, perhaps?

Mark (#2), many thanks for that post - I feel as if I know the player inside out already! Very Steve Ferns!

He gets a "Yes" from me based on this report.

Good post, Mark, but Algerian Stones or Algerian Yobo???

Mark, excellent write up.

Sadly, I can't see any credence to this rumour. He's too small. Silva uses 6'-5” and 6'-4” centre-halves. I posted the heights of every centre-half he's every used and I think there was only 2 under 6'2” and he didn't sign them.

Liverpool's defence was transformed when they signed Van Dyk. Sure, it's because he is an amazing defender. But one of the main reasons Klopp wanted him was that as well as being superb in almost every aspect of defending, is that he's a giant. When you press hard the opposition lift it over your pressing players and so you need tall players to head it away. Silva obviously subscribes to this theory as he only ever signs giants.

Everton have a team of midgets. Only 6'-3” Keane is over 6'-1”. It's not tall enough. Silva will be looking for someone very tall.

Steve, I wonder if that same logic is why Silva is considering this player as a left-back. He played there primarily for Rennes last season and at 6ft-1in would make quite a tall full-back and add more height to the back line.

Perhaps this guy is seen as a cheaper Tierney alternative?

Mark.

He seems to have potential and could develop in the Club. I think that we have too many old pros, who just want to get by. This type of player is the future.

Can't see it, Sam. The left-back needs to be a left winger type. He needs pace to burn and a sweet left foot.

Get Mina. Commanding at the back and scores goals. Get it done.

Wouldn't worry too much guys. Everton being linked with everyone as usual We need some more class players but I would be surprised if they sign no more than 2 or 3 at most.

They have a lot to shift out first and then I think they will need another worthy striker, midfielder and left-sided defender. Silva will likely have better contacts with Portuguese and/or South American players and so that's where he will probably search first if not already.

I'm a bit of a Football Manager fanatic, so I do enjoy the transfer windows (I'm in a minority, I know). However, even I am struggling with the outright lies that 'journalists' literally just make up. The fact they are prepared to commit to writing details of deals and contracts that they have just made up absolutely beggars belief.

Rant over – I'm just getting very frustrated at the utter rubbish that is all over the internet at the moment... to be fair, the answer is simply to stop looking at it... but I just can't help myself.

Surely better than Williams and Jags.

"Second, for such a big man, he has absolutely no clue how to use his size imo... I can't tell you it's really frustrating to see him lose a shoulder-to-shoulder on a guy half his size because he went in too soft."

Sounds more like an Algerian Keane.

In all honesty, I have no idea who he is or even if he will be our player so I'm happy to wait and see.

Agents leak absolute nonsense all the time to promote their players, especially to the promised land of the Premier League. It puts the player's name out there.

There will be plenty more dubious speculation over the next few weeks... take it with a pinch of salt; most of it will be recyclable rubbish.

Like the Echo is ITK. It’s a red rag with a couple of decent journos.

Window closes 9 August. Get a move on.

'Algerian Stones' — sounds like a particularly nasty tropical illness!!

I believe we've just to agree personal terms with a centre-back to complete our first signing of the summer. Medical's already done. It's Gibson of Middlesborough with Besic going the other way.

GIbson seems to be a good player. He would be a good addition.

It is a matter of time before this is 'called off'.