Brendan Rodgers says Everton want to sign a player who’s good enough to ‘play for any team in the world’

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Everton are eager to sign the best of the best this season, but even the unknown players can transform under David Moyes.

This was clearly seen through the likes of Jake O’Brien, who many would’ve predicted for another move this summer under Sean Dyche.

But Moyes managed to develop the Everton defender, who flourished towards the back end of the season.

Now, the aim will be to replicate these fortunes with new signings this summer, as Ben Doak could reach different heights under Moyes.

Well, Brendan Rodgers thinks the same for another target who could make a sensational move to Merseyside.

Brendan Rodgers said Everton target Matt O’Riley can ‘play for any team’

One of the emerging targets in the Everton camp is Matt O’Riley, who hasn’t had the perfect start to life at Brighton.

It appears as if the Dane could leave the club this summer, with Everton interested in O’Riley.

The midfielder endured a successful time with Celtic before he made the move to the Premier League, as the 24-year-old was a major success under Rodgers.

This got the Celtic boss singing his praises, and he explained exactly what the Seagulls had gotten hold of last summer.

Speaking in a press conference after O’Riley secured his move to Brighton, Rodgers said: “His behaviour, his decency all the way through pre-season was absolutely a joy to see.

“From a young player who’s got the riches of the Premier League in sight, he never lost his focus for Celtic.

“And when you work with a player like that, you want them to succeed. Celtic won’t be the end game for some of these players, but it’s going to give them so much. And he leaves here now a winner, a better footballer, and ready to play for any team in the world.

“When you play for Celtic, and the pressure, and you become a winner, he can go on and play for most teams in the world now.

“His behaviour was second to none. He’s a good guy and I hope he does well.”

READ MORE: What Liverpool now plan to do with Ben Doak this summer as Everton ready to pounce on £30m deal

Moyes will hope O’Riley can replicate Celtic form at Everton

The Scotsman is getting his targets in early doors, and after Brighton signed O’Riley for £25m, Fabian Hurzeler will want to gain profit on the midfielder.

Albeit a small profit, clubs might only want to pay a similar fee after an underwhelming campaign.

Another manager who was a big fan of the Dane was Ange Postecoglou who found O’Riley ‘brilliant’ at Celtic, and it’s clear to see why.

The hope now for Everton and Moyes is that he can replicate this creativity at Bramley-Moore Dock, where The Friedkin Group will be hoping to build a team which can gun for Europe.

O’Riley can be at the heart of these plans and fulfil Rodgers’ statement of being able to play for any team in the world.