Everton’s Belgian stars gives them edge over Liverpool in defender chase
Published:Liverpool’s summer need to bring in another central defender is well documented, but it would surely be a big coup for Everton if they could beat their Merseyside rivals in the race to sign Toby Alderweireld.
Reports suggest both clubs are interested in the Belgian defender and it is believed that the 24-year-old would cost around £7m.
This seems a fair going rate and is likely to be a little less than the sums that Arsenal and Tottenham paid Ajax respectively for Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen.
With Jamie Carragher retiring, Martin Skrtel looking below-par this season and Sebastian Coates not doing enough to prove to Brendan Rodgers he is ready for an extended run in the first team, a new defender would do Liverpool no harm.
However, Everton may also need to strengthen in this department, with another former Ajax defender Johnny Heitinga looking more a squad player than definite starter and Sylvain Distin now coming to the end of his career at the age of 35.
The fact that Everton already have Belgian internationals Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas on their books could give them an advantage, although whether they have the money to make a signing of this nature remains unknown.
Meanwhile, it is hard not to argue that Alderweireld’s style of defending would not be well suited to the way that Rodgers is looking to play at Liverpool.
He is very modern in terms of his ability on the ball and there is an element of Gerard Pique in his game, in terms of his composure.
This would be a good compliment to Daniel Agger, who is more regularly relied upon to build Liverpool’s attacks from the back at present.
Which of the pair finishes highest in the final Premier League standings could also sway a decision, with a spot in the top six seemingly the best either side can now hope for.
Only one spot appears available though, with Everton 4/6 in this market and Liverpool 10/11.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
