The early whispers of a new Premier League season often carry a blend of optimism and trepidation, a sentiment perhaps amplified nowhere more acutely than at Goodison Park. Following a rather unceremonious opening-day defeat to newly-promoted Leeds United, Everton manager David Moyes has, predictably, moved swiftly. While a substantial £40m deal for Southampton’s touted “world-class talent” Tyler Dibling addresses a void on the attacking right flank, another, arguably more pressing, issue persists: the right-back position. It appears the Toffees are now firmly in the race for Barcelona`s highly-rated young full-back, Hector Fort, a move that could redefine their defensive solidity and offensive dynamism.
The Persistent Right-Back Riddle at Goodison
For too long, Everton`s right-back situation has been a narrative of stop-gap solutions and unfortunate injuries. The departure of the seasoned Ashley Young (at a sprightly 40 years old, one might add) leaves club legend Seamus Coleman, still a warrior but undeniably in the twilight of his illustrious career, as the primary natural option. Unfortunately, Nathan Patterson`s recurring injury woes have consistently hindered his ability to stake a permanent claim, forcing a natural centre-back, Jake O`Brien, to deputize at Elland Road.
O`Brien, a robust 24-year-old defender, has demonstrated commendable tenacity. However, deploying a central defender in a wide full-back role inevitably sacrifices the natural attacking impetus and width crucial for modern Premier League football. It’s a bit like asking a finely tuned grand piano to play a rock concert – it can make noise, but it`s not quite what it was designed for. Moyes` vision for a team challenging at the higher end of the table demands more, much more.
Hector Fort: The `Immense` Catalan Prospect Everton Needs
Enter Hector Fort. According to reports from Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona is bracing for the potential departure of the 19-year-old, with West Ham United already making a loan approach. Crucially for Everton, the Premier League is cited as Fort`s likely destination, and the Toffees are very much in the running. This isn`t a speculative rumour about a forgotten youth player; Barcelona previously rejected an offer north of £30 million, underscoring the high regard in which the young Spaniard is held. “Immense” is the adjective journalist Antonio Mango chose, and perhaps for good reason.
Fort isn`t just another full-back; he is a versatile technician capable of operating effectively on both flanks. His arrival would echo a familiar, and fondly remembered, pathway for Everton – that of Gerard Deulofeu. Deulofeu, another Barcelona product, swiftly endeared himself to the Goodison faithful with his electrifying pace and technical wizardry. Labelled a “real diamond” by then-manager Roberto Martinez, Deulofeu’s two-and-a-half seasons at Everton, despite their ebbs and flows, showcased the impact a technically gifted Catalan could have. Fort, with his similar profile and a point to prove, could very well become Everton’s next cult hero.
A Statistical Snapshot of Fort`s Promising Potential
What truly sets Fort apart, beyond the Barcelona pedigree and positional versatility, are his underlying metrics. As per FBref, among positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Fort ranks exceptionally:
- Top 1% for pass completion, indicating remarkable composure and accuracy under pressure.
- Top 2% for passes attempted, demonstrating his active involvement in his team`s build-up play.
- Top 26% for shot-creating actions, hinting at a significant attacking contribution beyond mere defensive duties.
- Top 14% for ball recoveries per 90, showcasing his defensive awareness and ability to regain possession efficiently.
His brief but impactful 17 appearances in La Liga last season, contributing to a title-winning campaign, saw him complete a staggering 92% of his passes with not a single recorded error. This speaks volumes about his mature, cultured style, especially for a player of just 19 years. He`s not just running around; he`s orchestrating from the back.
Hector Fort – Career Stats by Position (All Levels)
| Hector Fort – Career Stats by Position (all levels) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Right-back | 43 | 2 | 1 |
| Left-back | 11 | – | 3 |
| Data via Transfermarkt | |||
Moyes` Vision: Injecting Dynamism and Fluency
Securing Fort would offer Moyes a welcome contrast and a significant upgrade on the right side of defence. With a natural right-back like Fort, Jake O`Brien could return to his preferred central defensive role, bolstering the team`s core and allowing both players to thrive in their natural positions. This tactical recalibration would not only enhance Everton’s defensive stability but also inject a much-needed dose of dynamism and fluency into their attacking transitions. Fort, a right-back by trade, would undoubtedly mark a substantial improvement over a deputizing central defender.
The prospect of a young, “immense” talent like Fort, with the technical grounding of La Masia and a burning desire to prove himself in the Premier League, represents more than just a squad addition. It’s a statement of intent, a move designed to shift Everton from perennial strugglers to genuine contenders for European places. Whether Fort can indeed unleash his Catalonian flair and replicate, or even surpass, Deulofeu`s impact remains to be seen. But for a club yearning for stability and success, Hector Fort represents a calculated gamble that could pay dividends for years to come.
