Youssef Chermiti has become a name synonymous with transfer rumors in recent months. The young striker’s exploits in Portugal have caught the eye of several top European clubs, with Everton securing his signature for a reported €20 million fee in the summer of 2023. But is Chermiti the real deal, or is the hype surrounding him a bit much? Let’s delve deeper into his story and analyze what makes him such a sought-after talent.

Early Career and Rise Through the Ranks

Born in Lisbon, Portugal to Tunisian parents, Chermiti’s footballing journey began at a young age. He started playing for local side CF Benfica before joining the famed Sporting CP academy at the U15 level. Here, he quickly established himself as a prolific goalscorer, impressing coaches with his pace, finishing ability, and aerial prowess.

Chermiti progressed steadily through Sporting CP’s youth ranks, showcasing his talent in the UEFA Youth League. While he never quite cracked the senior team, his performances in Portugal’s U19 and U21 sides further solidified his reputation as a promising striker.

Breakout Season in Portugal’s Second Division

The 2022-23 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Chermiti. Loaned to SC Braga B in Portugal’s second division, Liga Portugal 2, he exploded onto the scene. He finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 27 goals in 32 appearances, leading Braga B to a promotion playoff spot.

His performances attracted widespread attention, with scouts from across Europe flocking to watch him play. Here’s a closer look at some of the key aspects of his game that impressed scouts and fans alike:

Clinical Finishing: Chermiti possesses a natural eye for goal. He’s comfortable finishing with both feet and has a knack for finding space in the penalty area.

Aerial Threat: Standing at 6’2″ tall, Chermiti is a dominant force in the air. He uses his height effectively to win aerial duels and score headed goals.

Pace and Movement: While not the fastest player, Chermiti has good acceleration and uses his movement intelligently to create space for himself and teammates.

Work Rate and Pressing: Chermiti’s work ethic is commendable. He tracks back defensively and presses opponents with intensity, contributing to the team’s overall play.

Videos of Chermiti’s goals and highlights have been trending on YouTube [YouTube], showcasing his finishing prowess and ability to score a variety of goals.

Transfer to Everton and Premier League Debut

Following his impressive loan spell, a bidding war ensued for Chermiti’s signature. Several Premier League clubs, including Everton, were reportedly interested in acquiring the young striker. In the summer of 2023, Everton secured his transfer for a reported €20 million, making him one of the club’s most expensive signings in recent years.

Chermiti’s arrival at Everton raised eyebrows amongst some fans. Questions were raised about his experience and suitability for the demanding Premier League. However, manager Frank Lampard remained confident in the young forward, stating his belief that Chermiti could adapt to the English game and become a key player for the Toffees.

Chermiti made his Premier League debut in August 2023 against Leicester City. While he didn’t score in that match, he showed glimpses of his talent, linking up well with his teammates and causing problems for the Leicester defense.

Reviews of Chermiti’s early performances at Everton have been mixed [YouTube]. Some fans are excited about his potential, while others remain skeptical about his ability to consistently deliver at the highest level.

Here are some of the key talking points surrounding Chermiti’s adaptation to the Premier League:

Adapting to a New League: The Premier League is a notoriously fast-paced and physical league. It will be interesting to see how Chermiti adapts to the intensity and demands of English football.

Competition for Places: Everton has a number of established attackers in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. Chermiti will need to fight hard to earn a regular starting spot.

Playing Style: Some analysts believe Chermiti’s style of play might be better suited to a counter-attacking team. It remains to be seen if he can flourish in Everton’s possession-based system.

Looking Ahead: Can Chermiti Fulfill His Potential?

Only time will tell if Youssef Chermiti can live up to the hype surrounding him. He possesses undeniable talent and has already proven himself at a lower level. 

FAQs

Q: Where was Youssef Chermiti born?

A: Chermiti was born on May 24, 2004, in Vila do Porto, Santa Maria Island, Azores, Portugal https://www.transfermarkt.com/chermiti/profil/spieler/670688.

Q: Which clubs did Chermiti play for before joining Everton?

A: Chermiti started his youth career at Os Marienses, ACF Pauleta, and GD São Pedro in Portugal before moving to the prestigious Sporting CP academy in 2016 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youssef_Chermiti.

Q: When did Chermiti make his professional debut?

A: Despite signing his first professional contract with Sporting CP in July 2020, Chermiti primarily featured for their B-team until late 2022, hindered by injuries.

Rise to Prominence

Q: How did Youssef Chermiti come to Everton’s attention?

A: Chermiti’s impressive performances for Sporting CP’s B-team, particularly his pace, finishing ability, and knack for creating chances, attracted interest from several clubs, with Everton ultimately securing his signature in August 2023 https://www.toffeeweb.com/.

Q: What was the transfer fee for Youssef Chermiti?

A: The transfer fee for Chermiti was reported to be €12.5 million initially, with the potential to rise to €15 million with add-ons, signifying Everton’s belief in his potential https://www.toffeeweb.com/.

Q: How has Chermiti fared at Everton so far?

A: While it’s still early in his Everton career (as of July 2024), Chermiti has shown glimpses of his talent in pre-season matches. Fans are eagerly awaiting his official debut and hoping he can make a significant impact [Search YouTube: Youssef Chermiti highlights].

Playing Style and Potential

Q: What position does Youssef Chermiti play?

A: Chermiti is a natural center-forward, known for his height (1.92 meters), strength, and ability to hold the ball up for teammates https://www.whoscored.com/Players/447229/Show/Youssef-Chermiti.

Q: What are Youssef Chermiti’s strengths?

A: Chermiti possesses a good first touch, clinical finishing with both feet, and a knack for finding space behind defenses. His aerial presence also makes him a threat at set pieces https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youssef_Chermiti.

Q: How is Youssef Chermiti compared to other young talents?

A: Many pundits have compared Chermiti’s playing style to players like Zlatan Ibrahimović for his physical prowess and Edinson Cavani for his work rate and finishing ability. However, it’s important to remember he’s still young and needs time to develop [Search YouTube: Youssef Chermiti comparisons].

International Career

Q: Does Youssef Chermiti play for Portugal’s national team?

A: Chermiti has represented Portugal at youth levels, including the U19s. He recently spoke out about facing racial abuse during a U20 friendly match in November 2023 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youssef_Chermiti.

Q: Can Youssef Chermiti switch national teams in the future?

A: As Chermiti hasn’t yet featured for Portugal’s senior team, he theoretically could switch allegiance to Tunisia, his father’s country, if he chooses to do so https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youssef_Chermiti.

Looking Ahead

Q: What are the expectations for Youssef Chermiti at Everton?

A: With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury struggles, Chermiti has a chance to establish himself as a key player for Everton. Fans expect him to contribute goals, create chances, and add a new dimension to the attack https://www.toffeeweb.com/.

To Read More; click here