The Blackburn star won more headers in the Championship than any other defender in 2015-16.
Shane Duffy celebrates scoring the first goal for Blackburn
This summer will see Everton look to rebuild after a poor season in the Premier League. Not only will they be fretting over the futures of Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and John Stones but the club need a goalkeeper and defensive reinforcements.
With the future of Stones looking bleak, and his form brought into question, Everton probably need another centre-back to help out at the heart of defence. So should they bring in a former youth player who they let move on?
| Position | Team | Aerial Won | Total Clearance | Appearances | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Duffy | DF | Blackburn | 302 | 258 | 41 | 3,611 |
| Curtis Davies | DF | Hull City | 224 | 257 | 41 | 3,546 |
| Christophe Berra | DF | Ipswich | 220 | 275 | 43 | 3,870 |
| Grant Hanley | DF | Blackburn | 213 | 171 | 44 | 3,909 |
| Harlee Dean | DF | Brentford | 211 | 265 | 42 | 3,761 |
Shane Duffy has gone on to become one of the Championship’s most respected defenders since joining Blackburn Rovers in 2014 and the Republic of Ireland international might just be ready for a return to the top-flight.
Duffy, who made 10 appearances during his six-year-spell at Everton is now 24-years-old and has overcome a life-threatening liver laceration to get to where he is today – so would certainly add some steel to the Everton backline.
Everton’s Shane Duffy (L) and Dundee United’s Johnny Russell in action
Pace may not be his strongest suit, but he is a beast in the air and strong in the tackle – possessing the no-nonsense qualities Everton sometimes lack in their own back-line.
The combination of Duffy and Stones could be a solid unit in the years to come if Everton were to bring their former protégé back to Merseyside.
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