Alexandru Maxim is a stylish footballer who plays between the lines, takes defenders on, is very skilful and can create chances at will. The 23-year-old is an exciting attacking midfielder who is capable of flipping a game on its head.
The Romanian is catching the eye of many teams and could soon make his way out of VfB Stuttgart. He could be the perfect option for a team like Everton. The Blues already have Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley and Steven Pienaar to call upon to be their creative engine from midfield, but if Roberto Martinez was to sign Alexandru Maxim, Romelu Lukaku would continue flourish.
Maxim has scored four goals in the Bundesliga this season, all from playing just eight matches, and from just seven shots.
In his best performance of the season so far, during Stuttgart’s 6-2 win over Hoffenheim, Maxim scored twice and created three chances, two of which were assists.
Overall, this season, Maxim (20) has created more chances than Eden Hazard (19) who is the second best in the Premier League for chance creation. Meanwhile, Maxim is 11th highest in the Bundesliga for chance creation. To put this into context, Maxim has been more creative than the likes of Mesut Özil, Eden Hazard and Steven Gerrard.
That statistic alone should raise eyebrows. Maxim would be a good fit for most side, but he would flourish at Goodison Park. If Martinez were to sign Maxim, he could employ three attacking midfielders behind Lukaku. The three could be Mirallas, Barkley and Maxim which would cause plenty of trouble for opposition defences.
Maxim could be the link between a solid Everton midfield and a lethal forward line. He has all the traits and talents to be able to fit straight into Roberto Martinez’s side and become the creative fulcrum that would improve Everton considerably.
His arrival could also take some pressure off of Barkley’s young shoulders and allow him to develop in his own time.
Martinez should take a serious look at Alexandru Maxim.