fair to say Everton they really need to strengthen their attacking options in January.
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth means the Toffees have not failed to score eight of the last ten Premier League games, leaving them just one point and two places above the relegation zone.
Also, as stated during Sky Sports Monday Night Footballsince the start of last season, Everton have scored just 26 goals from open play; for context, that’s a whopping 30 fewer than the team second to the bottom of this list, viz West Ham.
Under Sean Dycheconsumption was very minimal, but after the takeover of the Friedkin Group, confirmed in mid-Decemberthere will likely be room for the Blues to bring in some much-needed reinforcements this month.
Everton want a Premier League player
As reported Fabrizio Romano on Twitter earlier this weekEverton have been in “open talks” with Aston Villa as they attempt to sign Jaden Philogene.
However, in a major twist, the player is now on his way to Ipswich Town with Fabrizio Romano revealing on Wednesday night that he is due to travel to Portman Road for a medical.
Despite being only 22, Philogene has already played for Stoke City, Cardiff City, Hull City and now twice for Aston Villa.
It was last season, when he was with the Tigers, that he really burst onto the scene, scoring a stunning brace against Rotherham in February 2024. he was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award.
Connected
This led to journalist Lewis Railton describing him as a “skilled but direct winger”, labeling him a “real talent”.
Focus transfer
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big name failures. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across the Football FanCast.
How Jaden Philogene would improve Everton’s attack
Well, since returning to the Midlands, the winger has been given limited opportunities, starting only four games in all competitions, a total of 535 minutes, but is yet to register a goal or assist during his second appearance in red and blue.
Therefore, a move from Villa Park in January could be the best for Philogene’s development.
As mentioned earlier, Everton really struggle to score goals; they are the lowest scorers in the Premier League this season with only 15 goals, while they are also at the bottom xG ranking, racking up a measly 18.1 to date.
Their joint top scorers are Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye, both with a measly three goalsso how does Philogene compare to the current Toffees wide forwards?
|
Philogene vs Everton wingers (23/24 and 24/25) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistical |
Phylogeny |
McNeil |
Harrison |
Ndiaye |
|
Appearances |
48 |
56 |
54 |
67 |
|
minute |
3,353 |
4,732 |
3,720 |
4,116 |
|
Objectives |
12 |
7 |
4 |
8 |
|
Assists |
6 |
10 |
3 |
3 |
|
Progressive mounts |
163 |
111 |
89 |
137 |
|
Recordings |
125 |
90 |
60 |
73 |
|
Shots on goal % |
32% |
27.4% |
21.7% |
31.5% |
|
Goals – xG |
+3.3 |
+1.7 |
-2.8 |
-1.3 |
|
Actions to create a shot |
133 |
190 |
87 |
130 |
|
% download success |
44.7% |
48.5% |
36.4% |
50.7% |
As noted, since the start of last season, Philogene has been more favorable compared to Everton’s existing wing options.
Shot creation actions are the parts of the game that lead to a shot. This includes moments such as passing, receiving or drawing fouls.
Scoring more goals, registering more progressive transfers and attempting more shots than any trio, most importantly Philogene overpowered his xG, while Jack Harrison and Ndiaye failed.
McNeil, the Toffees’ most impressive trio, has missed the last six games due to a knee injurywith Dyche describing this issue as “a little more demanding than we thought,” but even when playing regularly, Philogene was better than his numbers.
So, to put it succinctly, this is a job that Everton should be angry about not doing.
