Nikola Vlasic may have his eyes on an Everton starting role after Kevin Mirallas’ shock comments.
Everton made just the one signing on deadline day, as Hajduk Split winger Nikola Vlasic arrived – and he may find himself fast-tracked into the first team.
The Toffees went into the final day of the transfer window looking for a left-footed defender and a centre forward, but they made just the one addition – winger Vlasic.
The 19-year-old arrives having hit 13 goals in 120 appearances for Hajduk following a move from Omladinac Vranjic, and he has emerged as one of the top young talents in Croatian football.
Whilst Vlasic – a tricky winger with a turn of pace – is mostly seen as one for the future, he may have been presented with a chance to push for first-team football by one of his new team-mates.
Everton wide man Kevin Mirallas was quoted by Derniere Heure in his native Belgium as saying that he was disappointed to miss out on a move back to former club Olympiakos, suggesting that he really wanted a move back to Greece.
Mirallas may now find himself on the fringes of Ronald Koeman’s side after making his desire to leave so public, and it would be wise for him to focus more on a young player whose future lies at Goodison Park for the long term.
Vlasic fits that bill, and with Everton’s attack often lacking pace this season, the teenager can provide a little more speed in the final third, immediately emerging as a replacement for Mirallas.
If Mirallas does slip further down the pecking order, that should present Vlasic with an early chance to stake his claim for first-team football in his first season on Merseyside.
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