With Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen both missing because of injury, it was Celtic centre-back Dedryck Boyata that started between Tottenham Hotspur duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen at the heart of the Belgium defence in their 3-0 win against Panama on Monday.

The 27-year-old, rated at £1.8m by Transfermarkt, may not have expected to play too much at the 2018 World Cup when Roberto Martinez named his squad, but he certainly impressed in his latest performance and may well be confident of keeping his place in the XI for the Red Devils' upcoming fixtures against Tunisia and England.

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The Bhoys defender's dominant display at the back may not have gone unnoticed by any clubs looking for a new centre-back this summer, given he could also be available on the cheap this summer given he only has a year remaining on his contract with the Scottish Premiership holders.

Everton, whose fans hate the idea of siging a 26-year-old target following his opening World Cup performance, are one Premier League side that will be looking for a new player in that position this summer with Phil Jagielka no longer good enough to be starting on a regular basis and the futures of Ramiro Funes Mori and Ashley Williams in doubt, and Boyata could be a bargain buy for the Toffees.

Dedryck Boyata stats vs Panama

The 6ft 2in defender won eight aerial duels against the Central American nation, as well as making one clearance and one interception, while he showed his quality on the ball with a passing accuracy of 91%, as per WhoScored.com.

Marco Silva may well be looking for a dominant defender to partner Michael Keane for the Merseyside outfit in the upcoming season, and the Celtic man could be a shock, but inspired, addition.

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