Manu Trigueros is hardly the most recognisably playmaker in La Liga but he is one of the best.
Even the most ardent backer of Bill Kenwright could have been forgiven for whiling away the working day wondering whether their beloved Toffees could smash through the glass ceiling with a little more financial backing.
Yet, although Everton are hardly balancing their budget on a shoestring these days following the takeover by steel magnate Farhad Moshiri, it has hardly guaranteed success either on the pitch or in the boardroom. Fans know the cases of Moussa Sissoko, Lucas Perez et al like the back of their hand; Everton were willing to pay but, due to a lack of European football, they were unwilling to come.
Therefore, it’s difficult to ignore a nagging feeling that Inter Milan playmaker Ever Banega, a two-time European Champion, one of the finest in his position in the world today, would rather stay at San Siro than spearhead a belated and probably futile push for European football at Goodison Park.
According to The Mirror, Everton have begun negotiations with the 2010 treble winners over the Argentinian’s signature. Though, after last summer, that is no guarantee of anything. After just six months at the San Siro, why would Banega want to leave already? Especially to a team apparently lacking in direction.
While the first marquee signing of the Moshiri reign remains elusive, perhaps Everton should set the bar a little lower. If Banega proves out of their reach, signing the next best thing wouldn’t be the worst tactic.
And, in Villarreal’s action man midfielder Manu Trigueros, Everton could find something of a cut-price Banega. A player with the same skills, the same technique but without the price or the prestige.
One part combative enforcer, two parts skilful creator, the 25-year-old is only now receiving the admiration his performances deserve in Spain, though a few long-range wondergoals have certainly drawn more attention.
The unsung constant in an overachieving side who reached the Europa League semis last season, Trigueros dictates Villarreal’s possession game from deep midfield alongside Spain international Bruno Soriano, with his probing passes and intelligent vision finding pockets of space of his grateful team-mates.
In short, Trigueros is exactly the style of player Ronald Koeman’s Everton are badly lacking. A midfielder with the tenacity and ball-winning hunger of a circa-2013 James McCarthy, the passing and vision of Gareth Barry with energy to match. He is the assist to so many assists.
Fichajes reported that Everton were interested in making a move earlier in the year and, though Trigueros’ new contract at Villarreal would make any developments difficult, it’s about time Moshiri got a chance to cash one of his cheques.
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