Scott Dann and Angelo Ogbonna have both been linked with a move to Everton in this transfer window as Roberto Martinez looks to strengthen his team defensively.
Both would make excellent additions to the team- but how do the two compare?
Scott Dann, 28, Crystal Palace
The versatile defender has been the rock in Palace’s rise to Premier League stability. The Liverpool-born centre half may fancy returning closer to home, and would provide stern opposition to fellow England defenders Phil Jagielka and John Stones.
Last season, Dann had an average Premier League rating of 6.96. He scored two goals and created three for his teammates as Palace finish tenth in another successful campaign in the top flight.
His passing accuracy was a mere 66.4%, but he crucially made 0.9 tackles and 1.6 interceptions on average per match.
Angelo Ogbonna, 27, Juventus
The Italian has two Serie A titles to his name with the Turin side and would be another player who would provide stiff opposition for the current CB’s at Goodison Park.
He had a similar rating to Dann of 6.93 last season but he failed to find the net or assist any goals for the Italian champions.
His passing accuracy was far better than Dann, with a completion rate of 88.8%. He made more tackles as well (1.2 per match). Dann edges it on interceptions, as Ogbonna only made 1.4 a match.
With no Premier League experience, Ogbonna may be seen a risk by Everton fans. He would need to settle in to the much more challenging conditions of English football, and will fancy better quality forwards on a weekly basis. Dann has played for both Birmingham City and Crystal Palace in the division, making him possibly the better value of the two.
How do they compare to Jagielka and Stones?
So how do the transfers targets compare with the Toffees’ top two current centre backs?
The table below shows each players’ stats for their league campaigns.
It’s clear that the Everton pairing already in place have very similar stats. They have created a partnership that works to each other’s strengths and was one of the highlights of the Toffees’ season.
If either Dann or Ogbonna do arrive on Merseyside, they will need to perform at their best if they are to take the place of either Jagielka or Stones- making the battle for places intriguing.
It would also make the depth in squad in the CB position one of the best the club has ever had.
