If recent reports are to be believed, the January transfer window could be another hectic period for Chelsea. Reports have linked them with the likes of Victor Osimhen and more recently Fulham’s Joao Palhinha. Meanwhile, Everton’s transfer window is likely to be less busy but their recent form suggests they may not need to. We caught up with former Premier League star John Barnes to discuss the future of Joao Palhinha and the recent form of Everton.
In this article:
- Is Palhinha an upgrade on Caicedo
- Palhinha would fit in at Chelsea
- Sean Dyche has done a fantastic job
- Everton fans are enjoying the Sean Dyche experience
- Doucoure suits Sean Dyche’s footballing style
Is Palhinha An Upgrade On Caicedo
Joao Palhinha of Fulham is reportedly seeking a significant transfer in the upcoming months, and his agents are discussing a potential January move with several Premier League clubs. Among others, Palhinha has been offered to Chelsea. After his anticipated transfer to Bayern Munich failed on the last day of the summer window, it appears that Palhinha’s future may not be with the blue side of West London. There are questions about whether he would be a beneficial signing for Chelsea and if he represents an improvement over their current midfield options. John Barnes, in particular, is questioning whether the midfielder would be an upgrade for Chelsea.
“Well, you wouldn’t have thought that he would have been better than Caicedo and look what happened there. So, you know, of course, he’s a good player, but Caicedo is a fantastic player.
“Chelsea have got enough players so I can’t imagine Chelsea signing more players. But you know Palhinha is doing very well for Fulham.
“That doesn’t mean he’s gonna come to Chelsea and, and be better than anybody else at Chelsea.”
Palhinha Would Fit In At Chelsea
Despite significant investments in recent transfer windows, Chelsea has faced challenges this season. Acquiring Joao Palhinha would further increase the substantial funds spent by Todd Bohely. John Barnes expresses admiration for the Portuguese midfielder, noting that while Palhinha might not surpass someone like Moises Caicedo, he is a talented defensive midfielder who would be a good fit at Chelsea. Additionally, Palhinha’s arrival could allow Mauricio Pochettino to utilise Enzo Fernandez in a more advanced position.
“When you look at the Chelsea squad and the amount of players they have, that would just be adding to the amount of players they already have. I can’t imagine them signing more players. But if you ask me whether I think he’s a good player? Yes.
“Is he an upgrade on Caicedo? Caicedo last season at Brighton was their best player. So how come all of a sudden Palhinha is better?
“I think he’s a very good defensive field player who could probably fit in at Chelsea.”
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Sean Dyche Has Done A Fantastic Job
With three consecutive wins in London and nine in 13 matches, Everton and Sean Dyche are on a roll. They have managed to steer clear of the relegation zone despite a ten point deduction that could have derailed their season. Barnes has lavished praise on Sean Dyche for the job he has done at Goodison Park.
“Sean Dyche has done a fantastic job. He steadied the ship if you look at them now.
“Of course, they don’t want a 10 point deduction, but I was fairly confident with their 10 point deduction that they were going to stay in the Premier League. I think once again, you look at the manager, Everton as a club suits him. Everton suits him where they may not have suited other managers. So, that for me is a no brainer.”
Everton Fans Are Enjoying The Sean Dyche Experience
Barnes particularly highlights the typical facets of a Sean Dyche side. Working hard, doing the basics well and showing a high level of commitment, aggression and fight. The trick seems to be working for Dyche and his troops.
“I always thought he would have done well and he’s proving me right. The fans like the attitude and the commitment and the aggression and the determination of the fight and the never say die attitude. The way they play, they’re a very aggressive side and they get the ball forward quickly. Evertonians like that.
“They like for their players to wear their heart on your sleeve and play with positivity and aggression just like the fans do and that’s why he gets those players to do that.
“Obviously, if you get another manager who wants to get players who play like Manchester City or Arsenal players do then maybe that wouldn’t suit Everton.
“I say the same thing about Jurgen Klopp and the players we have. Dyche’s character suits Everton.”
Doucoure Suits Sean Dyche’s Footballing Style
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been a pivotal player for Everton, scoring 11 goals in 31 games, especially since Sean Dyche took over as manager. Initially, it seemed Doucoure might leave Goodison Park at the beginning of the year when Frank Lampard was in charge. However, he has emerged as a central figure in Dyche’s revitalised team. The midfielder recently made his 100th Premier League appearance for Everton, scoring the first goal in their 2-0 victory over Chelsea, marking the team’s third consecutive top-flight win. According to Barnes, Doucoure is more compatible with Sean Dyche’s style of football.
“The type of football has to suit the players. Of course, he came from Watford and the type of football he plays means he’s an aggressive player who gets forward, wins lots of tackles, he’s very intense and that’s what Sean Dyche wants from him.
“So of course he’s not a worse player under Frank Lampard. It’s just the style that Lampard wanted to introduce, which isn’t better, it isn’t better, it isn’t good. It’s just the style that he wanted.”
“Obviously the way that Sean Dyche plays suits him better.”
