Rafa Benitez is yet to be confirmed as the new manager of Everton but it already looks as though he’s doing the groundwork on recruitment.
What’s the word?
One area of the squad that Everton are looking to strengthen this term is in defence.
The Toffees have been linked with a number of central defenders over the last few months including Kalidou Koulibaly and Merih Demiral.
However, Benitez has his own targets in mind, one of which is already plying their trade in the Premier League.
According to Football Insider, the Spaniard has sanctioned a move for Wolves skipper Conor Coady.
The 28-year-old was discussed by the hierarchy and Nuno Santo before talks stalled over his appointment in Merseyside.
However, the England international has also been talked about during talks with Benitez as Everton look to launch a bid this summer.
The new Carragher
Everton supporters might not like the idea of the Spaniard becoming their new manager, nor will they be too keen to see one of their transfer targets compared to a Liverpool legend.
However, with Benitez set to become the new head coach at Goodison Park, comparisons will naturally be drawn between his previous spell in Merseyside.
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He will have his work cut out to drag Everton towards their ultimate goal of Champions League football but one player who could aid their cause is Coady.
A boyhood Liverpool fan, the Scouser is a bubble of energy and has an infectious personality that would ensure he fits in at any new side.
Though, a move back to his hometown would be absolutely perfect for the centre-back.
He is a leader of men and in two of his five England caps to date, he has captained the Three Lions. It’s an accomplishment that Wolves reporter Tim Spiers described as “phenomenal.”
Immediately, we begin to get a feel for why Coady is like Carragher. Both players were leaders of men and they enjoyed barking orders at their teammates on the pitch.
Speaking about the footballer turned pundit previously, Emile Heskey commented: “Virgil van Dijk is the one player in the [Liverpool] team who is a leader, and they haven’t had that since Jamie Carragher left. Someone who barks out orders and gets them out of sticky situations.”
That says a lot about not only the former defender’s character but also his qualities on the field of play.
Coincidentally, no other player has made more appearances under the incoming Everton boss than Carragher. He featured on 326 occasions for the 61-year-old, proving to be a dominant figure in the backline.
Coady might not be as physical but in terms of the way he leads the team forward, there are few better in the Premier League.
Ruben Neves waxed lyrical about those very qualities earlier this year: “I’ve never played with a player like him," he began. “Well, actually, when I played in the Portugal squad when I was young, we had a player like him that was always talking and helping the team. That was Ruben Dias, who is in Manchester City now.”
Neves added: “So, he’s the second centre-half I’ve played with who talks and helps the team that much. Conor always gives us the best instructions to do our best on the pitch.”
Supporters might point towards his inability to play in a four-man defence but that is easily remedied by a change in system.
Benitez is right to consider him this summer if he becomes Everton boss.