Adrian Mariappa believes Watford striker Joao Pedro is ‘definitely’ a Premier League player after Everton eyed his transfer. An injury meant the Toffees did not push for a winter deal.
Reports by The Telegraph cited Pedro as a target for Everton as Goodison Park chiefs eyed late offensive reinforcements. But the Merseyside outfit were reluctant to commit to a bid as the 21-year-old had not recovered from the ankle ligament issue he suffered on Boxing Day.
A host of top-flight teams in the lower half of the table had monitored Pedro’s efforts with Watford over the first half of the season. He has held a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of an immediate promotion back from the Championship following their relegation last term.
Joao Pedro featured among Everton’s striker targets in the January window
Everton had a number of strikers on their shortlist following a goal-shy season so far in the top-flight. The Toffees had only scored 15 goals through 20 games before the January sales slammed shut. Only Wolves had hit the back of the net less often than the Toffees with 12.
Pedro, alone, had scored eight goals and laid on two assists over 20 Championship outings before sustaining his injury. The Brazilian would return to fitness for the start of February. He has also taken ownership of the captain’s armband at Vicarage Road at stages this season.
Bologna star Marko Arnautovic also featured on Everton’s radar. Arnaut Danjuma was also a target of the Merseyside outfit. But the Dutchman would ultimately join Tottenham Hotspur on loan from Villarreal, despite agreeing on terms with the Toffees over a temporary move.
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Is the Watford forward good enough for a transfer to a Premier League club?
Everton may rue not pursuing a transfer for Pedro with the forward returning for Watford straight after the window closed. The Toffees have only scored two goals through their five Premier League fixtures since. They have led to 1-0 wins against Arsenal and Leeds United.
Pedro’s former Hornets teammate, Mariappa, is also convinced the Ribeirao Preto native is a top-flight player. The Brazilian came to Europe with Watford in January 2020 and played 31 Premier League games before their relegation. He also scored three and assisted a goal.
“So much potential,” Mariappa told talkSPORT. “I think he was 17/18 when he came to the club when I was there and you could just see that he had that something special.
“It doesn’t surprise me what he’s doing now because I feel like he’s definitely a Premier League player. You see some of the games he’s playing at the moment [and] it looks effortless for him. He’s playing so well and full of confidence.”
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