João Moutinho tipped for Toffees

In the same day that Sporting Lisbon announces the extension of the contract to 2014, the 23 years old is – once again – referred for Everton. Now with a 22.5 million euro pass, the Portuguese international seems to be in the agenda of several European clubs – Everton has opposition from Valência, Lyon and Udinese (at least according to Italian media). Potentially one of the next stars coming from Portugal, Moutinho has international experience, being in the Champions League with Sporting Lisbon for the last couple of years – with very poor results such has the 12-1 agg. against Bayern Munich – capped 17 times and usually called for the National team coached by Carlos Queiroz, still needs to improve in some vital aspects to be able to play in the Premier, Spain or even Italy.
After five years as a professional player (always with Sporting), Moutinho’s raw pace and very short injuries list give him a strong credential of always being fit to play. Always smart on the field, eager to fulfill the coach’s orders, he can play as a defensive or offensive midfielder – only in the centre, he doesn´t have enough speed to play close to the lines – but he is way to short and light weighted to cope with the awesome pressure in the middle of more evolved championships (1.70m/67kg). The basic image of Sporting’s captain is to see Moutinho crawl on the grass, complaining to the referees about alleged fouls.

Tip: If David Moyes can give Moutinho the physical evolution that Ferguson’s gave to Ronaldo, then The Toffees should try to get him, with then can´t they should look elsewhere to spend the money. Looking for abroad solutions to the midfield? Try Fábio Santos from Brazilian squad Grémio (sorry I’ve seen Univ.Chile-Grémio one of those nights and this is the first name that pops into my head).