Everton Ribeiro has been in stunning form for Cruzeiro this season, creating 80 chances – 11 assists – and scoring seven goals. He has created more chances than anyone else in the Brazilian league, a sure sign of a top quality attacking midfielder.
Ribeiro is a skilful, determined left-footed attacking midfielder who is capable of playing on either wing, but is most accomplished playing through the middle.
He has created a mammoth 42.5% of his chances from a central area just outside the penalty area which is a superb figure and an ideal area on the field that van Persie and Rooney would benefit from.
As a Brazilian, it goes without saying that Ribeiro is skilful, but unlike other players, he uses his fantastic skill to beat players when it matters most, rather than every now and then.
He displayed this clever skill for his stunning goal against Flamengo in August. Collecting a ball from the left hand side, he flicked the ball over the onrushing defender and smashed a volley into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper stunned.
He is a determined character who will work hard for the team, too, displayed perfectly by his successful tackle percentage. He has won 49/68 tackles in 34 matches this season, a great 72%.
Ribeiro is third at Cruzeiro in terms of Squawka’s Performance Score. Dede is top with 960 points but Ribeiro is comfortably in third with 866 points.
If Moyes does not want to use Kagawa anymore and fancies an attacking midfielder capable to supplying Rooney and RVP on a regular basis, he should look no further than Everton Ribeiro. Not only is he fantastic on the ball, but he is gritty and will work hard when it matters most – an important asset to have to play in a David Moyes side.
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