Morgan Schneiderlin has joined Everton in a deal worth around £24million, the club have announced, and a few weeks ago we took it upon ourselves to do some digging.
We talked to ReadSouthampton editor Luke Osman, who have us an in-depth insight to the player and how he felt the Frenchman would do at Everton.
Asked on whether he is a good signing for the Blues’, Luke explained “He’s a quality player and with Gareth Barry knocking on a bit, despite his quality, he’ll be an excellent partner with Gana. It’s a great signing if things go through.”
Most importantly, we wanted to know whether Toffees Ronald Koeman can get Morgan back to his best, to which Luke responded: “For sure. Although I believe Schneiderlin’s development was the most potent under Mauricio Pochettino, Koeman also worked well with him.
“During his last season here it was clear that he was one foot out of the door yet he still looked to be the best player in our team – head and shoulders above the rest.
“He carried Victor Wanyama in that season and Koeman is fully trusting and admiring of Schneiderlin and rightly so; he’s a top player. Koeman will get the best out of him.”
Luke also spoke of Schneiderlin’s best qualities, in which earned his move to Manchester United only last year. He explained: “For me, it’s always been anticipation. His tactical intelligence and footballing brain is second to none and that’s gone to show with him being previously renowned for his interceptions.
“Along with this, his vision and ability to pick a pass is really quite something too; I think that’ll benefit Lukaku for penetration behind defensive lines. Also, it’d be rude not to mention his stamina. That man can run 90 minutes after the 90. He is a workhorse but he’s got the quality to match it.”
With the Toffees set to pay £25million for the Frenchman (Exactly what Manchester United paid for him last year) and offer him £120,000 a week, we had to ask Luke whether he thought it was worthwhile, he is certainly not convinced! He explained: “When money’s not an object, I guess it’s irrelevant!
“From a Saints perspective, if you told me that we were to re-sign him for that amount of money and he’d be on that wage… I’m not sure I’d be best pleased.
“But on the other hand, for you guys, you will get your money’s worth and possibly more. The wage is quite staggering but it’s the premium for a player coming from a club like United.
“He is a quality player and I hope for his sake and for his confidence, which must be shot at the moment, that he proves to be worth his weight in gold. Good luck, Morgan.”
Thank you to Luke for taking the time to answer our questions.
