OPINION
Everton have been linked to many defenders in this summer’s transfer window, most notably Bayer Leverkusen’s Wendell and Celtic’s Kieran Tierney – but the most recent one comes in the shape of Ramy Bensebaïni.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Everton have registered an interest in signing the 23-year-old centre-back from Rennes, but Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart remains as his preferred destination at the moment.
However, Everton must do all they can to sign the Algerian youngster in the place of Stuttgart, as his talent belongs in the Premier League.
Despite being so young, he is a solid presence in the back four, the 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) unit operating as a centre-back – and he could be the missing piece in Everton’s defensive jigsaw.
Leighton Baines could exit the club amid interest from America, and with the potential arrival of either Kieran Tierney or Wendell, Marco Silva’s team would be increasingly assured at the back with the addition of Bensebaini.
He is an up and coming talent and recently made his debut for the Algerian national team in 2017 and, if he were to make the move to the Premier League, the young ace would only get better and better.
Not only does he play as a centre-back, he can also operate as a defensive midfielder and a left-back, should any injuries occur.
Central defence is a main priority for Silva and new Director of Football Marcel Brands, and with centre-back Ashley Williams also looking like a potential departure, now could not be a better time to get Bensebaini on the books at Goodison Park.
The back line needs to be freshened up and the arrival of Bensebaini would solve that problem – as would the potential arrival of either Wendell or Tierney.
A young defensive line is just what the Toffees need to provide stability in the long-term – and Silva must do all he can to sign Bensebaini, who has the potential to be at the heart of it.