Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs feels that Yerry Mina was the ideal signing for Everton. The Colombian arrived at Goodison Park during the summer from Spanish giants Barcelona.
Mina is a quality defender and had a successful 2018 World Cup, scoring three goals for the Colombians as they reached the round of 16 where they were eliminated by England.
Mina only arrived at Barcelona in January from Palmeiras. He however struggled to adapt to life at the Camp Nou and only managed five La Liga appearances before being sold during the summer transfer window.
Mina was perhaps very unlucky as he had to compete against the likes of Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique for a place in the side. Barcelona however did insert a £54 million buy-back clause in the deal as per TalkSport, and with Pique now into his 30’s, this could be an option which the Blaugrana may exercise in the near future if Mina excels in the Premier League.
Everton are so far flying high in the top-flight under Marco Silva as they occupy sixth position on the standings. Though Mina has so far only played in three of their games, he has looked impressive and fans can be excited for what lay ahead.
“He is big and imposing and understands how to apply those qualities,” Stubbs told Evertonfc.com.
“And there is more of an onus on one-v-one defending in the Premier League now.
“The full-backs are very attacking, which means the ability to adapt defensively and defend positively in one-v-ones and two-v-twos is vital.
“Everton’s full-backs push into advanced positions and it is a real strength of the side. But your strengths in wide areas can become your weaknesses if the centre-backs are not strong and cannot cover when the full-backs are up the pitch.
“Mina is very good in those situations.”
