Everton have pulled off a quiet but significant piece of business in the early window, securing the signature of France international Noemie Mouchon o...
Everton have pulled off a quiet but significant piece of business in the early window, securing the signature of France international Noemie Mouchon on a free transfer from Leicester City. GoalZaza understands the deal was concluded swiftly once Mouchon's contract at the King Power Stadium ran its course, and for a team that has often found goals hard to come by, this could prove to be a masterstroke of low risk and high reward.Mouchon arrives with a reputation for clinical finishing and an eye for a run in behind. Her time at Leicester was marked by flashes of genuine quality, but the instability around the club in recent seasons meant she never quite settled into a consistent rhythm. Now, with a fresh start on Merseyside, the question is whether she can rediscover the form that made her a standout in the French top flight. The Toffees have been crying out for a focal point, someone who can lead the line and finish the chances that a creative midfield can manufacture. Is Mouchon that player The early signs suggest she has the technical tools but the psychological shift of joining a club fighting to climb the table will be the real test.From a tactical standpoint, Mouchon offers the kind of mobility that Everton's system has lacked. She can play on the shoulder of the last defender, stretching a low block, or drop deep to link play and bring others into the attack. This flexibility should allow the manager to vary the approach depending on the opponent, a luxury that was not always available last season. The shift from Leicester's transitional style to a more possession based game at Goodison will require some adjustment, but her intelligence off the ball suggests she can adapt.There is always an element of risk when signing a player on a free. The lack of a transfer fee can mask underlying concerns about form, fitness, or attitude. But in Mouchon's case, her age profile and international pedigree suggest she still has her best years ahead of her. If she hits the ground running, Everton may have found the striker they have been searching for. If not, the financial outlay is minimal. That is the kind of sensible calculation that keeps a club on the right side of the profit and sustainability rules. Squeaky bum time for the defenders who have to mark her in training, but a very welcome addition for the supporters who have been starved of a proper goalscoring threat.The French forward will wear the number nine shirt and is expected to be available for the opening fixture of the season. The pressure will be on from day one, but Mouchon has the temperament and the talent to handle it. Watch this space.
