Everton and Crystal Palace are monitoring Genk right-back Zakaria El OuhadiAhead of a potential €15 million summer transfer. However, leading Belgian analysts believe Premier League clubs should proceed with caution.
Although his offensive performances remain impressive, he believes his defensive shortcomings could become a major problem in the Premier League.
El Ouahdi underlined his attacking quality again at the weekend, scoring a brilliant winner against STVV to keep Genk the champions' play-off hopes alive.
It was his sixth goal of the season, a brilliant return from the right-back to say the least. That performance and goal would certainly have been noted by English clubs watching him.
Everton and Crystal Palace are tracking Genk right back
Everton and Crystal Palace are among them A report at the end of February Explaining that he could be offered a €15m opportunity.
But according to Hein Vanhazebrouck and Frankie Van der Elst, publicity needs balance. They are talking to Sporz about the Genk star.
Vanhazebrouck didn't hold back when assessing the 20-year-old's readiness for a big step up.
Belgian analysts expressed concern over the Premier League
"If you want to be the best in the last 25 years, you not only have to be able to attack and score goals, but you also have to be able to defend," He said.
"And that's a problem with El Ouhadi. He allows himself to be neutralized too easily defensively. He also often makes the wrong decisions."
However, he is willing to accept upside, labeling the defender "One of the better players offensively at his position". But he warned that unless there was significant improvement, a move to a stronger league would expose their weaknesses.
How does El Ouahdi compare to Daniel Munoz
Frankie van der Elst echoed that sentiment, even questioning whether El Ouhadi is better than his predecessor Daniel Munoz. The Colombian is, undoubtedly, Crystal Palace's current first choice.
"Is he better than Munoz?" he asked.
"He is a fantastic player and his goal was very efficient. He is a player who brings a lot to that team, but the sum of his parts does not make him the best full-back, not even in the history of Genk."
This is a comparison Everton and Crystal Palace can take note of. Munoz adapted well and is now a Premier League star, but analysts question whether El Ouhady will be able to do the same.
Is a €15m move still worth the risk?
Despite their concerns, both analysts agreed on one thing; El Ouhadi will earn a big move away from Genk this summer.
"Hopefully he'll make a good transfer," Vanhazebrouck said.
"But I don't think the top clubs are going to come and get him. Munoz is much bigger than him. In terms of tackling ability and aerial duels, which is not insignificant for a right-back. He will not be a target for the big clubs in England."
This, potentially, puts Everton and Crystal Palace in the right bracket. Ambitious, mid-table sides looking for value and profit. In fact, This pair is presented as a better Optioned to full-back earlier this month.
What this means for Everton and Crystal Palace
Both clubs are looking for dynamic full-backs who can contribute in the final third. El Ouahdi fits the bill perfectly, but analysts' warnings should be heeded.
At €15 million he could be a bargain, however, he would also be a project that requires time and security. His talent is undeniable, yet he is still raw and has weaknesses. Summer vacations seem inevitable, but the pundit duo wants couples to be aware of what they're getting into.
