OPINION
Everton duo Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny are surely sweating over the Toffees’ reported pursuit of Benfica right-back Andre Almeida as it can only spell bad news for them.
The Sun reported on Monday that the Toffees were leading the race for the 28-year-old flyer alongside Wolves with the Portuguese defender possibly available to be snapped up for only £10million.
Almeida has been in terrific form this season for Benfica as he has racked up 12 assists and two goals in the league in order to help the Portuguese giants clinch the title.
The 28-year-old loves to burst down the flank and create goals for his side; but is also reliable when called into action.
Almeida is known for his ability to win aerial duels and averaged two tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per game (Source: WhoScored) in his 2018/19 campaign to help his side rack up clean sheets.
The fact Almeida is good going forward as well as strong at the back; his potential arrival would limit Coleman’s and Kenny’s playing time next season.
Kenny is already struggling to leapfrog Coleman in the pecking order at the club, he managed only nine appearances in the recently ended season, so more competition is not something he needs.
As for Coleman, the 30-year-old would surely see his minutes drastically dry up with Almeida to compete with as the 28-year-old is defiantly an upgrade on the Toffees defender.
Coleman only managed two assists and two goals in his 31 outings in his 2018/19 campaign, noticeably less than the Benfica defender, and averaged less tackles, 1.5, and less interceptions, 0.9 then the Portuguese defender.
So with that in mind and Almedia appearing to be an improvement on both the Toffees’ current right-back options; the pair are probably already sweating over their club being in the race to sign him.