Manager’s comments on Everton’s new defender signing

Everton have moved quickly to replace John Stones who left the club yesterday by signing Wales and Swansea City defender Ashley Williams in the last few hours.

Manager Ronald Koeman, a renowned central defender during his own playing career, has spoken to evertontv, sharing his reasons for signing Williams -

“We wanted to bring in a strong player in the central defence position, a player who knows the Premier League and Ashley fits the bill for us very well.

“He is an experienced defender and the kind of player we need in the team. He is a leader. He showed this at Swansea and he has shown it for his country and he is looking forward to his new challenge here at Everton.”

After two seasons of struggling with goals conceded, Everton need to improve the defence as a matter of priority. While Stones could still develop into a skilled and mature center half, he does not provide the solidity right now when it is imperative.

Williams brings the leadership and ethic that the Toffees could benefit from immediately. Especially considering that the Blues only had to pay £9 million for the player, this move makes a lot of sense.