Everton scouting young Brazil international

Everton’s South American scouting has been on overdrive the last few months, and now the Toffees are being linked with another newly-minted Brazil international.

Portuguese outlet UOL (via Sport Witness) claim that the Blues have now had scouts present for two consecutive FC Porto games, and the object of their attentions is young defender Éder Militão.

The 20-year-old is versatile enough to play in either of the centerhalf positions, rightback and at defensive midfielder as well, and made the switch from Sao Paulo in Brazil to Porto just this summer. While he signed with the Portuguese side on a five-year deal, the national media fully expects him to move on to greener pastures by the end of the current season.

He has certainly caught the eye early this season with his performances at the centreback position and got his first Brazil call-up at the same time as Richarlison during the last international break, with the pair making their full debuts in the same game, a 5-0 romp over El Salvador where the Everton player had a brace.

Everton’s situation at centrehalf continues to be unsettled with Phil Jagielka likely to move on at the end of the current season, and on-loan Kurt Zouma doesn’t have a buy clause at the end of the season, which leaves Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina as the only centrebacks for next season.

Militao is just a shade over 6’ tall, but is quick and very comfortable with the ball at is feet, which is a requisite when playing as a defender in Marco Silva’s system.

Here’s some scouting highlights on the player by TRM Scouting from earlier this year -

Eder Militão is a fast and aggressive defender, his physical abilities give him an advantage while battling opponents. Although Militão is a big and strong defender he is very athletic for his posture which he shows in his jumping which makes him very solid in the air, but also his maneuverability is very good for a big defender like him.

Militão is an example of a modern defender, next to his defensive capabilities he has the pace to play with a lot of space in his back giving him the opportunity to regain possession during a counter attack. Because Militão is mainly playing as a right back he is asked to contribute to the offensive game of Sao Paulo as well. When Militão joined the first team he was still struggling in dividing his energy in the right way to contribute both defensively as well as offensively, however, he improved his on the ball movement very well and he has turned into a real menace on the right flank with his rushes and crosses.

Due to his posture and athletic abilities Militão is a consistent danger when it comes to set pieces he needs to contribute more to the team in terms of goals.

The Sao Paulo youth team product still has some areas to work on, but appears to have all the physical and mental tools to succeed in the Premier League.

Militão is overall quite a complete defender although he still has some weaknesses which need improvement. His contribution on the ball needs to improve when he wants to make the next step in his career, especially when he wants to make it in Europe, he is still lacking in possession-based play and is likely to play a direct long ball to the forwards instead of setting up and attack through midfield. Also, his tactical awareness needs some improvement in order to make the next step in his career, his positioning both defensively and offensively need improvement in order to contribute more to the team and be a more solid player overall.

The report seems to think that it will take a sum in the region of €20m to prise him away, which would be a vast profit for Porto who bought the player for a paltry €4m during this last transfer window.