Everton finished what had been a quiet transfer market with a flourish of activity on Deadline Day. Having acquired his biggest signing of the summer, Ramiro Funes Mori from River Plate for £9.5 million, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez was quick to talk up the 24-year-old’s potential:
“The player we are welcoming into the dressing room fits the profile we need. He is a left-footed centre-half, a really good defender who is exceptional in the air with good quality. He will give us great balance in the back-four. Then you have got the personality and character of a winner – he has just won the Copa Libertadores with River Plate. You don’t [normally] get that sort of player, at the age of 24, who has just been called up for Argentina, becoming available. We have made a massive effort and it is a fee that reflects the value and the ambition that we have as a club to attract such an exciting player for the future.”
THE HISTORY
After emigrating to America in 2001 and joining the FC Dallas youth academy, Mori returned to his home country of Argentina in 2008 to join River Plate. He worked his way up into the first team and broke into the starting XI in February 2012.
Mori soon became a fan favourite with a series of impressive performances helping his side back into the First Division after a shock relegation the season before. As his popularity soared, he replaced Colombian international Eder Alvarez Balanta to become a mainstay in the River Plate side. Over the next two campaigns he picked up two goals in 19 appearances, one of which came against bitter rivals Boca Juniors to help River to their first derby win in ten years. Mori leaped fantastically to head in from a corner and ensured his status as a cult hero.
In 2014 the centre-back picked up both a Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana winner’s medal. Success continued as Mori helped River to a Copa Libertadores win, with a goal in the final, earlier this year. He totalled six goals in 50 appearances last season and his departure is regarded as a big loss for the Argentine side.
Mori currently only has one international cap to his name, which came in a friendly against El Salvador in March this year. He was not part of the Argentine squad for this summer’s Copa America but is expected to make his mark on the international scene in years to come.
THE PROSPECTS
Despite Martinez’ praise, it is unlikely that Mori will become a viable central defensive option in the short-term, at least. Phil Jagielka is club captain and, after fighting so hard to keep John Stones, there will be no moving the first-choice pairing, except injury.
Certainly, if either Jagielka or Stones is sidelined, then Mori looks to be first choice to fill in, given that the summer departures of Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz have left Everton light in that position. Tyias Browning is the only other out-and-out centre-back but lacks the experience necessary for the Premier League.
The Toffees’ new arrival has also played in a left-back role in the past, though, and could fill that position until Leighton Baines returns, although will have to compete with Brendon Galloway and Bryan Oviedo. Galloway struggled against City a couple weeks ago and with Oviedo picking up a knee problem over the last few days, the versatile Argentine could afford Martinez an alternative.
A run of matches could see Mori attract ownership, though his price (5.5), which is the same as Stones and more than Jagielka (5.4), is a little on the high side, given the lack of assured playing time. The Premier League will be a step up from Argentine football but Mori does have the qualities to adapt. Although he lacks pace and agility, making him less suited to that full-back role, he boasts an incredible work-rate and character. River coach Marcelo Gallardo stated:
“He is a player who never gives up. He worked very hard to get where he is. He’s always professional and gave his best for the team.”
For now, though, Everton’s schedule should probe enough of a deterrent. The Toffees face home clashes with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United as well as tricky trips to Swansea, West Brom and Arsenal in the next six Gameweeks so potential owners may want to wait until Gameweek 11 before considering Martinez’ men. Given that Baines could be back by that point, though, Mori may have to accept bench-warming duties until he becomes accustomed to his new surrounds, with the Toffees boss perhaps more likely to initially ease him into first-team contention via cup outings and the occasional sub appearance for now.
