New signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin has confirmed that he will be mainly used as a defensive midfielder by Marco Silva – but where do his real strengths lie?
The 23-year-old recently put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Goodison Park, with the Toffees paying Bundesliga side Mainz £22.5 million for his services.
Many suggested that the Ivorian will be a direct replacement for Idrissa Gueye, while others claimed the versatile star could be used in a more defensive role.
However, talking to the media alongside fellow new signing Moise Kean, cited by the Liverpool Echo, Gbamin revealed where he will be mainly used next season.
I’ve come here to play in the midfield, as a defensive midfielder if you like.
But if the manager wants me to do so I can play in a number of positions.
Whether it is in the number 8, the number 6 or defence, I will absolutely be ready for whatever position the coach needs me.
From knowing him just a short time he puts his trust in you and he gives you confidence to go out and play and do your stuff on the field. I think that it will be a good relationship.
The player then went on to add how he hopes to land a first domestic trophy for the club since 1995 in the upcoming season.
We could maybe pick up a trophy along the way, maybe one of the cups.
So with Gbamin set to feature predominantly in midfield, where exactly do his strengths lie?
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Firstly, as pointed out, one of his major strengths is his versatility. He’ll be able to comfortably fill in at centre-back if needed in a ball-carrying defensive role if Silva is short of options.
In terms of plying his trade in a holding midfield role, Gbamin’s main strength will be his physical presence and energetic play. He’s a lot taller than former Toffees star Gueye but possesses similar attributes.
Gbamin is better on the ball than Gueye and will be excellent at breaking up play and completing accurate short passes to fellow central midfielders Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson, who can then build the attack.
And at just 23, the player still has plenty of time to improve on his already impressive all-round game in the coming years.
Many have compared the player to Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko, and Everton fans will be hoping the Ivory Coast international can hit the ground running in the Premier League, which could see the midfielder turn out to be a gem of a signing at £22.5 million.
