Opinion

Everton have an easy decision to make between Malick Fofana and Tyler Dibling, there’s a clear winner

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Everton are desperate to sign a right-winger before the summer transfer window slams shut.

David Moyes has made a right-winger a top priority, with the position threadbare at the moment, following Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom’s exits.

Everton have looked at Takefusa Kubo at Real Sociedad, however, that rumour has gone quiet over the last couple of weeks.

Malick Fofana is also on Moyes’ radar and he has recently fuelled speculation, admitting he would leave Lyon for the right club.

“It’s not that I want to leave, but if we have a good opportunity, we’ll see,” Fofana said on the weekend.

The Toffees are exploring a deal to sign Tyler Dibling, so with that said, let’s take a look at how their stats compare.

Who Everton should sign out of Malick Fofana and Tyler Dibling

It seems Everton are torn between accelerating a deal to sign Fofana or Dibling, so let’s explore who the better option would be.

Fofana is just under a year older than Dibling, but already, he’s shown an end product, albeit in a better Lyon side.

In his short career, the 20-year-old has made over 100 senior appearances for Gent and Lyon, netting 20 goals.

Compare that to Dibling, and there is a notable drop-off, with the 19-year-old netting just four senior goals.

Malick Fofana’s underlying data vs Tyler Dibling

The underlying data also lies with Fofana, as he ranks in the top 10 per cent for non-penalty goals per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe, as per FBref.

Stats (per 90)FofanaDibling
Non-penalty goals0.450.10
Progressive carries6.653.31
Progressive passes recieved11.414.61

The Belgium international trumps Dibling in all three statistics used, evincing that he’s a better finisher and dribbler.

Fofana’s movement is more advanced, too, as he finds himself receiving the ball in better areas of the pitch.

Lyon are demanding closer to the £40m mark for the winger, so he would be slightly cheaper than Dibling.

These are the conversations Everton chiefs will be having in the final days of the window. It’ll be fascinating to see what decision they come to.