Moyes targets “special” DCL replacement at Everton

Everton suffered defeat at Goodison Park in midweek, Aston Villa deterioration David Moyes‘an exciting return to the dugout. It was a tough fight Premier League competitions and the hosts will be comforted by their aggression and commitment.

But Moyes will certainly know the weight of the task on his shoulders, as the Toffees lack key elements of attacking success and are in desperate need of fresh inspiration this month.

The January transfer window represents a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the ranks, and with Armand Broja’s ankle injury, which means that likely to be invited to Stamford BridgeEverton are ready to sign a new centre-forward.

Everton are looking for a new centre-forward

Spanish sources published an extraordinary discovery that Everton are in the race to sign Barcelona forward Vitor Roque, who is currently on loan at Real Betis from La Liga.

Betis is hesitant about seeking a permanent contract for the 19-year-old, but s La Blaugrana eager for profitEverton could steal up front and tempt the teenager with Premier League football.

There seem to be a number of variables that could hinder Everton in their pursuit of a deal, but stranger things have happened and the Blues are in desperate need of something new at number nine.

What Vitor Roque would bring to Everton

A powerful striker with a sharp shot on goal, Roque has the perfect skill set to thrive at the helm of Moyes’ Everton. Cut from traditional attacking cloth with some modern touches, the Brazilian may not be the best player in the game, but he has been praised for his “special” qualities former Atletico Madrid star Diego.

Roque’s ongoing career at Barcelona hasn’t panned out, of course, but he remains one of the most talented young strikers across Europe and would be a credit to Moyes’ squad, in front of a unit that would appreciate his quality as a standout member.

There is plenty to work on, but Roque has achieved a degree of fertility after a difficult start to life in Spain, and could now take his career to the next level with Everton, acting as the main front man.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin maybe club no. 1 attacking player this season, but given that his contract expires in the summer and that he is currently suffering from a A barren streak of 16 games in the Premier League, there is every reason for Moyes to freshen things up.

Roque isn’t just a target either, ranking in the top 17% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes (2.04) and top 10% for interceptions (0.40), according to FBrefemphasizing the athleticism and energy that would fuel Everton’s system.

FBref also notes that he is statistically similar to the Manchester City superstar Erling Haalandwho recently extended his Premier League contract until 2034, the highest paid footballer on English shores.

Haaland is, of course, the gold standard when it comes to centre-forwards competing around the world, having scored an absurd 111 goals in 126 appearances at City, especially winning the triple title in the 2022/23 season.

Like Roque, Haaland is a menacing striker who imposes himself on defenders with powerful runs and strong finishes, greeted by Pep Guardiola because of his “unique” personality on and off the field.

Roque runs more than his Norwegian peer, who ranks among the lowest 31% of colleagues in the position for progressive transfers (0.97) per 90, so Everton’s goal might actually have the edge in that regard.

But with one of the deadliest presences in the world, why wouldn’t Moyes bolster his Everton side with a player who has similar attributes? It could be a game-changer as the Blues battle to turn their fortunes around in the coming months.