Despite Everton making no transfers so far this summer, there have been a lot of rumours going around Twitter, Facebook and many other websites. The latest player at the moment is Barcelona winger, Cristian Tello, who has been linked with a loan move to Everton. Considering the success of Gerard Deulofeu’s loan move to Everton last season, why wouldn’t Barcelona want to take Tello to the Premier League under a Spanish manager? If the deal goes through, how would Cristian Tello fit into the current Everton squad and what can he provide that Everton need?
Who Is Cristian Tello?
Cristian Tello is 22-years-old and plays in a Forward/Wing position for FC Barcelona in Spain. Cristian was in the Barca youth academy before he went to Espanyol B team. However, he was back and was with the Barcelona B team between 2010 and 2012, playing 39 games and scoring 9 times. Since then he has been part of the Barca first team, playing 59 games and scoring 11 goals, with 1 cap for Spain’s national team. Unfortunately, he was in and out last season, so a loan move would be realistic if he wants to continue as a Barcelona player.
What Does He Provide?
Cristian Tello’s pace and agility could be vital for Everton, especially now we are back in Europe. The Spaniard is a very dangerous player in the final third and can often expose defences very easily with his skill and speed. Cristian can be clinical in the penalty area, whether it’s assisting another player or scoring himself. Finesse shots also seem to be his speciality, coming in from the left and rolling the ball under the goalkeeper. The 22 year-old scored 8 goals for Barcelona during 2012-13 and 2013-14, just 3 goals came from outside the penalty area. He has also provided assists for the team, 6 from the last 2 seasons but has created 30 chances for the Barcelona first team in the past 2 seasons.
Cristian Tello vs Current Everton Midfielders
Cristian Tello’s Passing stats are not as good as some of the other players in the Everton team (from last season). Tello had an 82% pass accuracy last season in La Liga, however, that is lower than Steven Pienaar, Bryan Oviedo and Kevin Mirallas’ passing success rate, who all had higher than him. Despite creating more chances than Bryan Oviedo, his stats are lower than the other 3 Everton midfielders. Here is there stats for their shots:
No surprise that Kevin Mirallas had more shots than anyone else, but Cristian Tello had more than Bryan Oviedo and the same amount as Steven Pienaar (both on 20). Tello had more shots inside than outside the penalty area and has a better shot accuracy than Steven Pienaar. So would Tello fit into the team ?
Where Would Cristian Tello Fit in?
Replacing Steven Pienaar?
I doubt that Roberto Martinez will change his formation, as he loves to use Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman in attacking roles, which is something Cristian Tello must take notice of he was to join Everton. Watching England vs Italy last Saturday, how many times were England caught out on the left? Because Wayne Rooney gave a lack of support, which gave Candreva and Darmian a quick over-lap and past Leighton Baines in a flash. If Cristian Tello doesn’t give that support on the left, Everton could be exposed, although James McCarthy and Darron Gibson are both very good at closing down players and getting that ball up field.
Striker role?
It’s possible, but it would be a role that he would have to adapt to very quickly. His positioning and danger in the box could be lethal and if Roberto Martinez decides to play him upfront, he could be a danger man for Everton. However, The Toffees are in search of a new striker considering Romelu Lukaku and Lacina Traore have both gone back to their parent clubs, leaving Arouna Kone as the sole striker would be a big risk for Everton.
3-5-2?
Another possibility, but a risk for Everton. We saw Martinez pull out the 3-5-2 or 3-4-1-2 formations at Wigan Athletic, even in some of the big matches, but Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines would take up the right and left midfield spots, leaving Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas having to be put into a striker or ‘number 10’ role. Cristian Tello would have to move into striker, but Arouna Kone would be forced to the bench.
Conclusion
Fast, Clinical, Skilful, Cristian Tello is a very bright player who is capable of having big success in the future. However, FC Barcelona are producing other young talent and with players like Pedro Rodriguez and Alexis Sanchez covering those wing positions, Cristian needs to go to another club to adapt and improve his game. Yes, I would have him 100% at Everton. Seeing how well Gerard Deulofeu performed at Everton last season, Roberto Martinez would want to bring in another Spanish youngster on loan next season. Cristian Tello would be a great signing.
Stats via Squawka.com
