da esport bet: This season has been something of a difficult one to judge for Everton.

da marjack bet: David Moyes’ side started brightly, winning two of their first three Premier League games and their League Cup Second Round tie.

However, since then, the Toffees have been knocked out of both cups and have been entirely unpredictable in the league.

Fortunately, Everton don’t look in any danger of being dragged into a real relegation scrap this year, and if reports are to be believed, are trying to bolster Moyes’ squad this month, with a Jake O’Brien upgrade on the cards.

Everton target O'Brien upgrade

The good news for Everton fans is that, based on the links that have emerged over the last couple of weeks, it certainly seems as if the club are trying to improve the squad.

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For example, Ivan Toney has been touted for a move and would surely be an upgrade on Moyes’ current striker options.

Likewise, Champions League winner Fabian Ruiz, who has been linked with the Toffees, would undoubtedly be an excellent addition to the squad.

It’s not just the forward and midfield areas that are being looked at, though, as the Merseysiders also appear keen on signing an upgrade on O’Brien.

At least that is according to a recent report from Italy, which claims Everton are interested in Emil Holm.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Toffees have already sent an offer to Bologna for the right-back, consisting of a sum of money and Nathan Patterson as a counterpart.

However, while the story doesn’t state whether the Italian side have or will accept that offer, it does claim that they don’t seem intent on selling the Swedish international.

This could therefore prove a complicated and potentially costly transfer to get over the line, but given Holm’s ability, it’s one Everton should pursue, especially as he’d be an upgrade on O’Brien.

Why Holm would be an upgrade on O'Brien

One of the added benefits to signing Holm is the fact that, on top of playing at right-back, he is also very comfortable on the right side of midfield.

However, while this would give Moyes more tactical flexibility, the Swede is still primarily a right-back and, in turn, would likely spend most of his time at Everton vying for that role.

Therefore, his primary competitor for game time would be O’Brien.

Unfortunately for the Irishman, this is likely a competition he would come out second best in.

For example, when you look at their underlying numbers, it’s Bologna’s “rising star,” as former player Pontus Wernbloom dubbed him, who comes out looking far superior.

According to FBref, he outdoes his fellow right-back in almost all relevant metrics.

These include things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, key passes, tackles won, blocks, interceptions, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

Holm vs O’Brien

Statistics per 90

Holm

O’Brien

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.37

0.05

Progressive Passes

5.42

2.40

Progressive Carries

1.02

0.61

Shots on Target

0.17

0.10

Passing Accuracy

76.1%

69.4%

Key Passes

1.02

0.51

Tackles Won

2.20

0.82

Blocks

1.02

0.71

Interceptions

1.02

0.41

Ball Recoveries

6.10

3.21

Successful Take-Ons

0.34

0.20

All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League

In other words, not only is the 25-year-old more defensively astute than the Cork-born star, but he is also far more dangerous going forward.

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This is also reflected in their output from this season.

For example, the Toffees’ star has provided just a single assist in 24 appearances, totalling 1973 minutes.

However, in stark contrast, the former Atalanta star has already racked up one goal and five assists in 17 appearances, totalling 1115 minutes.

That comes out to a really impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.83 games, or every 185.83 minutes.

Emil Holm

Ultimately, while it might be difficult to strike a deal, Everton should continue their pursuit of Holm as he would be a monster upgrade on O’Brien.

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