Everton‘s search for a right-back has taken them to the Championship and Norwich City, as they join Leeds United in the race to sign Kellen Fisher.
The young defender found his best form under Philippe Clement last season and, at 22 years old, he is quickly becoming one of the most promising young defenders in the Championship.
His ability to play as a right-back and right-midfielder has attracted Everton and Leeds, who are looking to strengthen ahead of next season. It’s particularly an open secret that the Toffees are on the hunt for a reinforcement down their right-hand side this summer.
|
25/26 league stats per 90 |
Kellen Fisher |
Jake O’Brien |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
3,456 |
3,124 |
|
Tackles |
2.4 |
1.64 |
|
Recoveries |
4.17 |
3.28 |
|
Duel success |
53.6% |
61.1% |
|
Successful dribbles |
0.55 |
0.17 |
Jake O’Brien’s numbers from last season highlight just how desperate Everton should be in their search for a right-back. The defender, who is naturally a centre-back, has filled in admirably, but is clearly not a modern-day option.
Fisher combines the ability to defend with attacking qualities in a way that Seamus Coleman often did throughout his career on Merseyside. And, at 22 years old, he has the potential to one day reach the level of the Everton legend.
Of course, Leeds may have something to say about Everton’s interest yet. The Whites operate with wing-backs these days and Fisher’s ability to play as a winger suggests that he is more than capable of slotting into Daniel Farke’s setup.
The question for the young defender will be around game-time. Jaden Bogle was excellent at right wing-back last season, which could see Fisher settle for a place on the bench.
As reported by TeamTalk, Everton and Leeds have launched moves to sign Fisher and received an instant response from Norwich.
The Canaries have issued a hands-off reply, telling interested clubs that their defender is not for sale following the instructions of Clement.
Whether that stance lasts the test of time remains to be seen, however. History would suggest that there’s only so long that Championship clubs can hold onto rising stars.
“He’s done brilliantly. And I have to say that Fish is one of the big surprises for me, how he played, the way he behaved, how brave he is on the ball. He’s a really good player on the ball.
“He played several positions and he adapts really fast, but also in the duels how he competes with people who are double the size and double his weight, but he wins those duels. – Clement
As Everton particularly grow more desperate for a right-back, it will be interesting to see whether their interest turns into an offer and whether that offer changes Norwich’s stance. For the time being, Fisher is certainly one to watch.
