Drenthe poised to break out at Everton

Financial constraints limited Everton this summer, but the loan-signing of Dutch midfielder Royston Drenthe could turn out to be a coup, writes Andrew McCarten.

Toffees manager David Moyes has named his official Premier League squad for the remainder of the season, with 18 of the twenty-five players over the age of 21, highlighting the club’s dependence on youth to bolster their threadbare options.

Chairman Bill Kenwright has struggled to balance the books, meaning a club that perennially challenges for a European place might find it difficult to end this campaign in the top-half of the table. The team have been overachieving massively in the last five years, finishing in the top-eight in each of those seasons, but now the budget is no longer sustainable enough to attract players capable of furthering the club’s progression.

There were some new arrivals at Goodison Park before the transfer window slammed shut. One new addition primed to make an impact for the Blues is Royston Drenthe, a defender-cum-midfielder brought in on-loan from Real Madrid. The Dutch international has struggled to make an impact at the Bernabeu since joining from Feyenoord, making just 15 league starts, and the new era of “Galacticos” has seen him pushed further down the pecking order.

Last season he enjoyed a successful loan spell at Hercules, but was suspended over a disagreement with the club’s management. He notched 4 goals in 17 appearances for the Valencia-based side, and earned generally positive plaudits for his play, despite the team’s relegation.

Drenthe has also impressed at international level in the past, scoring 7 goals in 24 appearances for the Netherlands Under-21 side. His early promise also saw him claim the Golden Player Award in their victorious campaign at the 2007 European Under-21 Championships. He finally made his full debut under Bert van Marwijk in Novemeber of last year, and a loan spell in the Premier League could reignite his international career.

At 24-years-old, the Rotterdam native is in his prime, and will want to prove himself in a new country after being left out in the cold again by Real Madrid. Anything close to the success enjoyed by compatriots Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder will have Toffees fans ecstatic. If he is a flop akin to former Dutch Toffee, Andy van der Meyde, fans may be booking him an early return ticket.

The English game’s frantic pace and physicality would appear to suit the versatile Drenthe, who can be played at either fullback or on the left-wing. His pace and ability to get forward means that Everton now have two dangerous fullback-cum-wingers in the same mould on either side of the pitch. PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Seamus Coleman is quickly maturing on the right, although the Irishman is currently sidelined with damaged ankle ligaments.

The ever-present Leighton Baines has been excellent in the top flight on a consistent basis, so it seems more likely Drenthe will get his chance in midfield, an area that Everton are struggling to fill.

Johnny Heitinga has been forced into a makeshift central midfield role, in a partnership with Marouane Fellaini. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has failed to make the desired impact since arriving at Goodison Park, and a spot in Moyes’ starting line-up looks very likely for Drenthe.

If he is given ample time, his loan signing may prove to be a brilliant bit of business on a shoestring budget from the Scottish manager, and with Drenthe out of contract at Madrid at the end of the season, Everton may also have the option of picking up a valuable player on a free transfer.

If the Toffees players are to lift the current negative mood among Liverpool’s blue contingent, Drenthe may play a crucial role in any success for ‘The People’s Club’ this season.