The Catalan media love a bit of Ronald Koeman. Dutch defender Koeman, now Everton manager, became a Barcelona legend when he helped the club to their first European Cup triumph at Wembley.
In October Catalan newspaper Sport published an article heralding Koeman’s ‘Barca DNA’. Peas in a pod, Barcelona and Koeman, and by extension his ideas for Everton, worked along the same lines.
That may come back to bite Barcelona, because it appears Koeman’s Everton spies have been keeping an eye on La Masia. Barcelona’s youth system is one of the best in the world, and over the years, much to Catalan frustration, English clubs have snatched away some of the best talent.
Thursday’s edition of Sport say Everton are one of a number of clubs interested in Marc Cucurella, known simply as Cucu. The 18 year old left back’s contract runs out at the end of the season, and whilst Barcelona want him to renew, interest from elsewhere doesn’t help that.
With Koeman a well known figure in the history of Barcelona, it would of course help Everton attract players from the club’s youth system. There’s a real emphasis on culture and influence, and Koeman and his Dutch compatriots have played a big part part in that. As Sport said in October, it’s his DNA.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also interested in the youngster.
