Everton manager Ronald Koeman ended a yearlong pursuit, as Cuco Martina finally put pen to paper on a free transfer to Goodison Park, after his term at Southampton had ended.
The Dutchman will provide much required defensive cover for the Toffees, as the right back Seamus Coleman recovers from the broken foot he suffered on international duty last year. Here’s what Ronald Koeman had to say about his new signing Cuco Martina:
“Cuco Martina is an experienced player who can perform in different positions at the back, which is important,”
“It’s also important, with the number of games we will face in the coming campaign, that we have strength and competition in the squad.”
Fantasy Football Potential
Martina didn’t feature much for the Saints last season, playing only 9 matches for them. He started 6 of those matches playing a total of 592 minutes, assisting in keeping 3 clean sheets. During his short stint, he tackled 9 times with an 82% success and made 15 key interceptions.
Martina made 5 appearances in the UEFA Europa League last season, where he registered 1 assist too. Needless to say, he has performed far better in European nights than the Premier League, with more tackles, clearances, blocks made.
Cuco Martina plays primarily as a right back, but can also fit in the centre of the park at the back. He may not have Coleman’s talent, but surely has Koeman’s trust. Martina has also started off pre-season quite well, with his attacking instincts while with the ball down the right wing, clearly pleasing and exciting many Toffees fans.
Priced at 4.5m, he may not be a starter for Everton, but may find his way into the team if an injury or two occurs and thus may be one to monitor.
If you have enjoyed this early view of the fantasy potential of those moving teams this transfer window, be sure to check the others here.
Written by Devdeep Duta (@devdeepdcube)
