Mainz captain Moussa Niakhate believes he is playing the best football of his career amid reports linking the Bundesliga giant with Premier League duo Everton and West Ham United, speaking to RMC Sport.
Much has been made of West Ham’s transformation from relegation favourites to European chasers under David Moyes. But Mainz have done something similar over in Germany.
The 05ers looked destined for the drop until former defensive stalwart Bo Svensson took over in 2021. And, in the space of just 12 months, one of Germany’s most exciting young coaches has turned a seemingly sinking ship around, setting Mainz on course for much calmer waters.
Niakhate, the youngest captain in the Bundesliga at the age of 26, continues to stand strong at the heart of Mainz’s backline, a load-bearing pillar in the kingdom that Svensson built. The penalty-taking, 6ft 3ins centre-back has been so impressive that, according to The Telegraph, he has emerged as an £8 million target for an Everton side in desperate need for some strength and leadership at the back.
From Mainz to Merseyside?
“I think yes,” Niakhate says when discussing if 2021/22 is the best season of his career.
“I’m happy with what I’m doing this year. I know that I am progressing and that I am better every season. I’ve managed to improve my game, to grow. I think I’m a better player every year.
“I am much calmer on the pitch. Having more responsibilities gives me even more desire to give everything. I feel stronger defensively, more solid, stronger also with the ball when I’m under pressure. And I’m more decisive offensively.”
Niakhate, like fellow centre-back Jerry St Juste, will be a free agent when his contract expires in 2023. And Mainz supporters would not have been thrilled to learn that, according to Svensson, both players could be heading out the door this summer.
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Not that Niakhate was willing to give much away when pressed further on his future at the MEWA Arena.
“I don’t know, honestly (if I’ll go). There are talks with the club, yes. We are discussing,” he adds. “Mainz knows what I have done for the club and I know what I owe the club. We will see if there is something concrete, with a project that suits everyone.”
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