Connor Williams has been talking all things Everton in his latest EFC 24/7 News Report YouTube video from The Toffee Blues, where he specifically spoke about Kalidou Koulibaly potentially joining the Toffees.
New manager Rafa Benitez reportedly doesn’t trust Mina to be a mainstay in Everton’s backline after failing to impress the Spaniard at the Copa America.
Who is a better defender?
Mina!
Koulibaly!
Benitez would like to replace Mina with someone he worked with during his time at Napoli, Koulibaly, who has been an ever-present since 2014, never making fewer than 25 appearances in Serie A, according to 90min.
Both players averaged the same WhoScored rating of 6.86 last season, however, Koulibaly performed better than Mina in plenty of key defensive metrics, apart from clearances – with the Everton man averaging 4.5 per game, compared to Koulibaly’s 2.2.
It would be an interesting switch in personnel, especially considering their respective ages. This is what Williams had to say on the matter.
“Rafa Benitez has asked the Everton hierarchy to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.
“I don’t know what this sort of obsession is that we’re going to get a centre-back, I don’t think it’s a position we need, but Rafa clearly disagrees.
“I’ve read that he obviously isn’t very keen on Yerry Mina, which is mad, because he’s had a really good Copa America, and on his day is a class centre-back and one of our best centre-backs on his day.”
TIF Thoughts on Benitez wanting Koulibaly over Mina…
Both are very physical and dominant in the air, however, Koulibaly does have that experience on his side, so bringing him in could have a similar impact as what Thiago Silva has had at Chelsea.
Benitez will clearly know what his game is like and must trust him if he wants a reunion with the defender, although, Mina is now into his third Premier League campaign so could be handed a final chance to prove he’s up to the task of being a regular and reliable member of their defence.