Scouts from Everton were in Portugal to watch a very entertaining game on Sunday, according to A Bola. Officials were sent to Vila do Conde, as Rio Ave hosted Chaves in a match which remained unpredictable until the last moment.
Rio Ave were winning 1-0 at half time, and although Chaves managed a comeback, there was still time for the home team to find an equaliser and finish the match 2-2.
Chaves winger Fábio Martins was the best player on the pitch, being the scorer of a beautiful goal to even the score and then create the play for their second goal, scored by Rafael Lopes. Tarantini and Lopes made it to the scoresheet for the home side.
Everton haven’t really been linked to players from Rio Aves or Chaves lately. It’s actually a little rare to see big English clubs scouting Portuguese league games when Benfica, Porto, Sporting and Braga are not involved.
Rio Ave and Chaves are now in sixth and seventh place respectively, as they both fight for a place for the Europa League next season.
As other English clubs watched Benfica and Porto, Everton were the only ones at this match. There’s no standout candidate for Koeman, so this must surely be long term talent spotting.
