By Zachary LaFemina

Newly-acquired Toffee, Morgan Schneiderlin, operates primarily as a defensive midfielder.

Defensively, he is very good. His tackling and aerial abilities are exceptional. Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka, and Ramiro Funes Mori will be very happy to have the strong Frenchman in front of them.

However, Everton’s front line players should be even more delighted with this signing. Schneiderlin has the vision and passing abilities to bolster the Everton attack. Romelu Lukaku should expect Schneiderlin to play him through the opposing back line early and often. The Frenchman also has the pace and awareness to get into the attacking third and provide support in possession.

Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin will complement each other in the midfield. Not only can both of them tackle very well, but they are both exceptionally good at reading the game. They have the potential to combine to be the dominant midfield force that Everton desperately need.

Gareth Barry and James McCarthy have been faithful Everton servants, but their playing times may be all but over for the Toffees once Schneiderlin gets settled into the squad.

Am I forgetting that Schneiderlin has only appeared in three Premier League matches this season? Maybe.

Will it take him a little while to get back up to match speed? Maybe.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt in my mind that the French midfielder will prove to be one of Everton’s top signings since Lukaku.

Read more of Zachary’s thoughts at www.plinamerica.com.