How does Tom Cleverley compare to Everton’s central midfielders?

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Tom Cleverley is reportedly close to signing for Everton, but how does he compare to those already at Goodison Park?

Tom Cleverley is expected to sign for Everton on a five-year contract, according to reports in the Daily Mail, meaning his stay at Aston Villa will only be for the one season.

Cleverley left Manchester United for Villa Park on a season-long loan at the start of the 2014/15 campaign following a poor year for him on both a team and personal level.

This season he has been part of a midfield that struggled in the early part of the season as they were dragged into a relegation battle under Paul Lambert, but put in some brighter performances when Tim Sherwood arrived at the club as the side avoided relegation and reached the FA Cup final – Cleverley even got on the scoresheet a couple of times in the process.

So how does he compare to those who featured regularly at Goodison Park in what was a topsy-turvy season for Everton – where they had difficulties of their own in the Premier League?

Here is a look at statistics from the past season:

One telling aspect is that Cleverley has scored more goals than any of Everton’s players from central midfield this season – though only just. It’s not all good news when it comes to getting forward though, as he ranks the the lowest of all his potential teammates when it comes to creating big chances.

His attempts on goal per game really don’t improve the side, it appears, it’s just a case of how much he blends in, statistically, with the options that Everton already have.

One other telling factor is how he fits into the way Roberto Martinez likes to play his football, with his side controlling games with possession. Therefore, passing accuracy is key and he is only behind Ross Barkley and Muhamed Besic in this area – though not by much.

Would he be a good signing? He certainly looks to be a Roberto Martinez-type player. Whether he is the kind of player that can improve the Everton midfield, though, remains to be seen.