fair to say, Everton They really need to strengthen their attacking options in January.
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth means the Candies have failed to score eight of their last ten Premier League matches, leaving them just one point and two places above the relegation zone.
Also, as noted 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 less than the second team on this list, ie West Ham.
Sub Sean Dychethe expenditure was very minimal but, after the acquisition of the Friedkin Group, confirmed in mid-Decemberthere is likely to be scope for the Blues to bring in much-needed reinforcements this month.
Premier League player wanted by Everton
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter earlier this weekEverton have ‘opened talks’ with Aston Villa as they attempt to sign Jaden Filogene.
However, in a major twist, the player is now on his way to Ipswich Town with Fabrizio Romano having revealed on Wednesday night that he is set to travel to Portman Road for a medical.
Despite being only 22, Filogenis has already played twice for Stoke City, Cardiff City, Hull City and now Aston Villa.
It was last season, when he was with the Tigers, that he really burst onto the scene, scoring a stunning rabona against Rotherham in February 2024, which nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award.
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This led to journalist Lewis Railton describing him as a “skilled but direct winger”, calling him “a real talent”.
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How Jaden Philogene would have improved Everton’s attack
Well, since returning to the Midlands, the winger has had limited opportunities, starting just four games in all competitions, with a total of 535 minutes, but has yet to register a goal or assist during his second game in claret and blue.
So a move away from Villa Park in January could be the best for Philogene’s development.
As previously mentioned, Everton are finding goals really difficult. are the lowest scorers in the Premier League this season with just 15 goals, while it is also down of the xG rating, garnering a miserable 18.1 to date.
They are their top scorers Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye, both with a paltry three goalsSo how does Philogene compare to the Toffees’ current wide forwards?
|
Filogenis vs Everton winger (23/24 & 24/25) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistical |
Filogenis |
McNeil |
Harrison |
go |
|
Appearances |
48 |
56 |
54 |
67 |
|
Minutes |
3,353 |
4,732 |
3,720 |
4.116 |
|
Goals |
12 |
7 |
4 |
8 |
|
assist |
6 |
10 |
3 |
3 |
|
Progressive transfers |
163 |
111 |
89 |
137 |
|
Shots |
125 |
90 |
60 |
73 |
|
Shots on target % |
32% |
27.4% |
21.7% |
31.5% |
|
Goals – xG |
+3.3 |
+1.7 |
-2.8 |
-1.3 |
|
Actions creating shots |
133 |
190 |
87 |
130 |
|
Withdrawal Success % |
44.7% |
48.5% |
36.4% |
50.7% |
As mentioned, since the start of last season, Filogenis has compared favorably with Everton’s existing winger options.
Shot-making actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, reception or a drawn foul.
He has scored more goals, scored more forwards and attempted more shots than all three, most crucially Filogenis has surpassed his xG, while Jack Harrison and Ndiaye both underperform.
McNeal, the most impressive of the three Candies, has missed the last six games due to a knee injurywith Dyche describing this issue as “a little harder than we thought,” but even when playing regularly, Filogenis was beating his numbers.
So, in summary, this is a deal that Everton should be disappointed they failed to complete.
