Muhamed Besic has reflected on his debut season with Everton, explaining how he has learnt many things tactically about the English game from fellow players and even manager Roberto Martinez.
The Bosnian international arrived from Ferencváros last summer having played most of his career at centre-half but Martinez sees his future in midfield.
“I wouldn’t say I am a better player, but a more experienced one,” said the 22-year old.
“Every game I have played this past season has helped me. From every guy I learnt something, from Leon Osman, from Gareth Barry. They are all experienced players, and they are all so calm on the ball too.
“From the manager too I have learned many things, for example tactics.
“Tactically, I didn’t know many things, but Roberto has explained to me so I always try to improve every day. After every training session, if I make a mistake, he always explains to me what I did wrong and what I have to do better.”
So how does the highly rated Bosnian international compare to his colleagues in the centre of midfield?
In the Premier League Besic had an average rating of 6.73 and a pass completion rate of 87.1%. Defensively, he had an average 2.5 tackles per match and an average of 1 interception per match. Offensively, The 22-year old failed to score or assist any goals in his first season at Goodison Park. He also completed 0.3 key passes per match and made an average 1.4 dribbles a game.
The table below shows the stats of the other central midfielders in the Toffees first team squad. All stats are from the 2014/15 Premier League season.
* Tom Cleverley stats from his season on-loan at Aston Villa 2014/15.
So how could Everton’s midfield look on August 8th when they host Watford in their Premier League opener?
Has Besic got an opportunity to build on his debut season at Goodison Park? Well a number of factors come into the fold.
Last season James McCarthy and Gareth Barry were the main two pulling the strings in the centre of Martinez’s system. Both had fine campaigns last year but Barry isn’t afraid of the odd yellow card here and there- especially as he isn’t one of the fastest players on the pitch any more.
If he does get suspended Besic would be a good backup to come into the fold.
Will Martinez play new signing Tom Cleverley higher up the field, just off the striker, or will he be played deeper alongside either Barry or McCarthy if need be?
From the stats Besic is clearly the best man for the defensive job, he had a much better average in terms of tackles and interceptions than many of the other options at Martinez’s disposal.
He isn’t afraid to run with the ball either. Only Ross Barkley completed more dribbles with the ball last season.
What lets Besic down is his lack of key passes, as well as his blanks for goals and assists- which are the first two stats any one looks at.
If he is to make the starting XI more regularly, he needs to find the net and create more goals for his teammates.
But the 22-year old Bosnian certainly has a bright future ahead of him- and he could be a vital tool in the Everton toolbox in years to come. I would personally start him against Watford on August 8th.
Who would you pick for the central midfield roles? Let us know at @TheToffeeTalk
