The West Bromwich Albion defender is in his tenth season of Premier League football.
Everton’s Yannick Bolasie in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Jonny Evans
West Bromwich Albion star Jonny Evans’ international manager has been having his say on the defender’s quality, amid reports the 28-year-old is interesting Arsenal, via Sky Sports.
Michael O’Neill took Northern Ireland to the last 16 of the European Championships this summer, with Evans a vital part of that historic side, and felt the Baggies player would be at home at the very best teams in the Premier League.
“I’ve always felt that Jonny was a top Premier League player, O’Neill told Sky Sports. “He could play at the top, top clubs in the Premier League. At Manchester United he proved that.
Wales’ Jonathan Williams in action with Northern Ireland’s Jonny Evans
“In the Euros he showed his class, we played him in a back three and he also played left back for us. He’s very adaptable.”
O’Neill’s comments might not endear himself to West Brom fans, who will surely hope to keep the former Manchester United defender at the Hawthorns.
Evans has been excellent for the Baggies since leaving Old Trafford last summer, linking up with another former Red Devil in Darren Fletcher for Tony Pulis’ side.
Jonny Evans celebrates scoring for West Brom
Though Gunners supporters may feel the three-time Premier League winner would be something of an underwhelming addition to their back line, Evans would arguably offer an upgrade on all of their central defenders except Laurent Koscielny, and Arsene Wenger would be bringing in a player with a wealth of experience to his name – something much needed in the Arsenal back four at present.
With speculation suggesting Wenger’s chase for Germany international Shkodran Mustafi may have hit the buffers over huge asking prices, the Baggies may well be preparing their own steep asking price to reflect Evans’ importance, using O’Neill’s comments as backup.
Norwich’s Matthew Jarvis and West Brom’s Jonny Evans
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