In a recent Toffee TV video, “Which Striker Fits Everton Needs?”, Baz and Andy (@elpivoteftbl) discussed the striker options for Everton to sign in the summer transfer window. (Make sure to watch the video for more information on the different striker options: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnpiCzBR0I). The results of the “Which striker should Everton sign?” poll on the video were conclusive, with Lille’s Rafael Leao and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sebastien Haller being the clear winners.

The general consensus amongst Everton fans is that a striker must be brought in during the summer transfer window, in time for next season. Both Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin did reasonably well during spells as the team’s loan striker, however it is evident that a better quality centre-forward would be hugely beneficial for the club.

Towards the end of the 2018/19 campaign, Calvert-Lewin outlined the attributes that a striker in this Everton team must have. His pace, strength, and aerial ability made him a real handful for defenders. Ideally, Everton should bring in a striker with similar physical qualities, but with better finishing, control, and attacking instincts.

Despite being quite different players, Rafael Leao and Sebastien Haller are both players who could potentially fit this role well, and excel as Everton’s new striker.

Haller is a few years older than Leao, at 24, and is different stylistically. At 6”4, Haller is an aerial threat, very strong, and a handful for centre backs. He’s also surprisingly quick. With his size and ability to hold the ball up, it’s likely that this could be carried over in to the very physical Premier League. He’s a player who’ll attack crosses, and bring others in to play when on the ball.

In terms of goals and assists, Haller’s statistics are very impressive. In all competitions last season, he tallied 20 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances. As well as bullying defenders and scoring goals, his link-up play is also very good. This is highlighted by the 12 assists. In fact, Haller’s season was so good that he was named in WhoScored.com’s ‘Bundesliga Team of the Season.’

Rafael Leao is quite different stylistically to Haller. At 6”2, he does have a physical presence, however he is more likely to run in-behind defences. He’s a pacey player, skilful and with good dribbling. Leao’s only just turned 20, and so has many years to develop- four years younger than Haller.

His stats aren’t as good as Haller’s, with 9 goals and 3 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. However he only made 16 starts in the league, and so didn’t play as regularly as Haller. Regardless of this, Leao is still regarded as one of the best prospects around, and has shown glimpses that he could be world-class in future years.

Both players would probably cost around £30-£40 million, although Leao could potentially be worth much more in the future because of his potential.

If Everton want a more established centre-forward to come in and immediately score goals, then Haller is more likely to be that man. However in terms of investing in the future, Leao has huge potential, and could be very special in a few years.

Stylistically, Haller is perhaps more suited to Everton, and is also more likely to have an immediate impact. Having said this, it would certainly be difficult to turn down Leao because of his potential, and his potential sell-on value. Let’s hope Everton can sign both!

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