Everton reportedly want to bring Mario Mandzukic to the Premier League for the first time after another Serie A title with Juventus.
Mario Mandzukic has a career most of the greatest footballers in the 21st century would be proud of.
An aggressive, old school number nine, the Croatian warhorse is hardly one of the most technically gifted footballers in an age of diminutive inside-forwards and inverted wingers and, in truth, he probably would have looked more comfortable leading the line in another era.
But you don’t play for Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Juventus without having something special. And it’s a remarkable winning mentality that sets apart this warrior of a centre-forward.
In total, Mandzukic has won nine league titles in a trophy-laden career; four with Juventus, three with Dinamo Zagreb and two in the colours of Bayern Munich.
So no wonder an Everton side blessed with youth and brimming with raw potential want to sign one of the most experienced and battle-scarred forwards in European football. Mandzukic is facing an uncertain future at Juventus as he doesn’t exactly fit into Maurizio Sarri’s style and, according to The Telegraph, he could be offered a fresh start at Goodison Park.
Now, just imagine the impact Mandzukic could have on Merseyside.
Everton fans like nothing more than to see a player shed blood, sweat and tears for the famous blue shirt and no one could ever doubt Mandzukic’s commitment to the cause. He is the working-class hero, a player who is almost guaranteed to have an immediate affinity with this rather old-fashioned family club from the other half of Stanley Park.
Mandzukic would set a brilliant example for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and co on and off the pitch. And any defender who comes up against the 33-year-old, with his fearsome leap and razor sharp elbows, will know they’ve been in a battle.
“In the box, there is no one better in the air in the world. When we get the ball there he is very, very strong,” Pep Guardiola told ESPN during their time at Bayern.
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