Ashley Young could play out of defence for Everton this season.
That’s according to journalist Paul Brown, who has claimed that the Toffees’ summer signing may feature on the wing under Sean Dyche.
“He’s still a great crosser of a ball,” Brown told Football FanCast.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if occasionally we see him end up on the wing, but I do think he signed more to play as a cover full-back, possibly even to put pressure on one of the starters and play instead of one of them, but his versatility means that he could play more than one position this season.”
Young arrived at Goodison Park on a free transfer this summer after he was released by Aston Villa at the end of last season.
The 38-year-old started his senior career as a winger as he picked up 28 goals and 38 assists in the Premier League across four years at Villa Park. The defender continued to play further up the pitch for Manchester United before he was reinvented as a wing-back and has played there ever-since.
Young enjoyed an impressive campaign upon his return to Aston Villa and has so far looked like a clever arrival for Everton, with former defender Jason Cundy claiming it was a ‘brilliant’ signing for the Merseyside club.
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Ashley Young’s versatility makes cash-strapped Everton’s life a lot easier
Everton’s financial struggles this summer have been well publicised and are yet to pay cash for a new permanent signing, with the £3.5 million fee they coughed up for Arnaut Danjuma’s loan deal the only money they have spent.
While the Toffees are going to need to find the money to bolster their squad over the next month, Ashley Young’s versatility could prove very useful if they can’t bring in all the additions they need.
The defender is able to play on both sides of the backline and can also play on the wing, providing Sean Dyche with a very safe option if things get tough.