St Johnstone boss, Simo Valakari, has admitted that Matty Foulds’ defensive capabilities most appealed to him when he settled on the former Everton defender as his new left-back.
The 26-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Perth club, having been released by Harrogate Town in the summer.
After starting out as a centre-half and earning a big move to Goodison park, Foulds was converted into a full-back.
When doing his homework on the Yorkshireman, who clocked up over 100 appearances in the EFL and had a short spell in Italy, Valakari saw a player who ticked a lot of boxes for Saints’ Championship campaign.
Among those were strong defending fundamentals.
“Matty is a left-back and he can play left centre-back as well,” said Valakari.
“What I like about him is how he defends his box and how he defends one v one.
“He’s also comfortable on the ball – short and long passes, good crosses.
“I wouldn’t say he’s so much a full-back who will run beyond the line.
“He’s more full-back who gives the team balance.
“When the ball comes back to him, he will put a good cross into the box.
“I was very keen to bring him in.”
Hunger and desire
Valakari is convinced that the fire still burns brightly for a player who was once identified as a potential star, with Everton paying £225,000 for him nearly a decade ago.
“Matty has got experience but still the hunger to have a good career,” said the Finn.
“Of course, I’ve spoken to different people about him.
“Most important, though, are the face to face conversations to get proper feelings about the type of player you are signing.
“At the age he’s at now, he has a young family and an understanding that a football career goes fast.
“He wants to find the right environment to play his football and support his family.
“I saw the hunger and desire to do well. I’m excited to work with him.”
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