Everton are set to complete the signing of Switzerland U21 international Shani Tarashaj from Grasshopper Club Zurich in a £3.5m deal, with the starlet set to return immediately to the Swiss side for the remainder of the season.
So who is Tarashaj and how good is he?
Tarashaj is currently the star of Grasshopper’s revival in the Swiss Super League. Switzerland’s most successful club finished only 8th last season in a ten team league and were not expected to fare much better this season, but the emergence of Tarashaj has rejuvenated the team who currently sit 2nd and in with a shout of winning their first title since 2003, although a place in next season’s Champions League is a more realistic prospect.
Tarashaj can play as a number 10 or as an attacking midfield player and already has eight goals in eighteen league matches so far this season. The exciting youngster (20 years old) is a huge admirer of the Brazilian Ronaldo and admits that he spent his youth studying a number of great Brazilian’s.
Tarashaj is of Albanian descent and hasn’t ruled out representing the country at full international level, although he has played for Switzerland at all age groups from the u17s through to the u21s.
He sprung to the attention of a number of teams around Europe with five goals in his first four matches of the season and topped that with a goal against England u21s in November. Everton hope to complete the transfer in the early part of January.
Watch Tarashaj in action below.
Let’s hope Martinez will play him as a number 10 and not join the list of attackers who have to fill the role of right wing or left wing because Martinez doesn’t care how exposed his full backs or defenders are. E.g. Naismith Kone mirralais Barclay. (All natural number 10s) Seems a trend with Everton started with moyes and on going with our current ‘philosophical’ manager. But somehow I don’t think roberto will ever change. And nor will evertons mid table position under him.
can he play in goal ?