Everton’s Search for a Right-Back
Everton has been linked with a potential transfer for Barcelona right-back Hector Fort. The club’s need for a right-back has been highlighted, with Jake O’Brien having to play in the role during a 3-1 defeat to Stuttgart. O’Brien, a natural centre-back, started the Stuttgart game in his preferred position alongside Jarrad Branthwaite. However, an early injury to Tim Iroegbunam led to Merlin Rohl moving into midfield, and O’Brien was shifted to a wide defensive position.
The situation has drawn attention, with one prominent Everton season ticket holder, Andy Burnham, publicly advocating for the club to sign a right-back. He stated that O’Brien, despite being a good player and a great centre-back, should not have to play another season at right-back. This sentiment underscores the perceived need for a specialist in that position.
Fort’s Background and Potential Move
Reports indicate that Hector Fort has been given permission to leave Barcelona this summer. Everton and Fulham are among the clubs reportedly keen to secure his services, potentially on a permanent deal. Liverpool has also shown interest in Fort and is considered a long-term admirer, with Internazionale also reportedly interested.
Fort, born in Barcelona on August 2, 2006, made his senior debut for the Catalan club in a 3-2 loss to Royal Antwerp in the Champions League on December 13, 2023. He has made 30 appearances for Barcelona. Last season, he spent time on loan at fellow La Liga side Elche, where he played 17 matches and scored three goals. During his loan spell at Elche, he recovered from a serious injury and concluded the campaign strongly.
Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly keen on signing Fort as part of his squad rebuilding efforts, which have focused on young talents from the Spanish league. Arbeloa has already overseen the signings of Real Madrid players Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios. He has reportedly asked Fulham’s management to inquire about the financial terms of a deal for Fort, with a potential fee close to 10 million euros.
Statistical Comparison and Playing Style
Analysis of Hector Fort’s statistics in La Liga suggests he could offer certain strengths. In terms of assists per 90 minutes, Fort averages 0.22, which is higher than any other Premier League player in his position, surpassing Jurrien Timber of Arsenal and Matheus Nunes of Liverpool, who both average 0.15. He would also rank second for opportunities converted (0.22), behind only Dominik Szoboszlai (0.25), and third for playing in scoring attacks (0.67), behind Nunes (0.82) and Szoboszlai (0.81).
Physically, Fort’s distance covered per minute (111m) is only topped by Timothy Castagne of Fulham (116m). However, his average total distance per 90 minutes (6.36km) is lower than most, with only Joel Veltman of Brighton & Hove Albion (6.187km) and Adam Smith of Bournemouth recording less. His maximum speed of 31.62km is also lower than any of his peers in the English top flight, with Jackson Tchatchoua of Wolverhampton Wanderers being the fastest at 35.98km.
Defensively, Fort records fewer interceptions per 90 minutes (1.33) and ball recoveries (2) compared to many Premier League players in his position, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United leading interceptions (5.88) and Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest leading ball recoveries (10.83). However, he demonstrates proficiency in retaining possession, with his ball losses per 90 minutes (4) being fewer than Premier League leader Smith (4.33).
In passing, Fort’s successful long passes stand at 63%, a figure only bettered by Diogo Dalot of Manchester United (65%). Despite this, he attempts fewer passes per 90 minutes (12.33) than any Premier League peer, a category topped by Szoboszlai (64.31). He also has fewer successful passes (9.67) than all of them, with Curtis Jones of Liverpool leading with 56.83 successful passes.
While Fort’s lack of minutes makes it challenging to define a precise playing style, he scores highest as a wing-back at 3.1 out of 10. Other scores include 2.4 for two-way full-back, 1.4 for playmaker back, and 1.2 for defensive full-back. Given Everton’s past experiences with players from Barcelona, such as Gerard Deulofeu, Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina, and Andre Gomes, a cautious approach might be considered.
Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk