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Formation and Tactics Everton Set to Use in 2017/18 season

By Robert Hunter

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Ronald Koeman manager of Everton and assistant Erwin Koeman look on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Everton at Stadium of Light on September 12, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Ronald Koeman manager of Everton and assistant Erwin Koeman look on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Everton at Stadium of Light on September 12, 2016 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Everton are set to make multiple big signings in the summer, which will influence the set up Koeman selects. How will he tactically build on the success we have had this season?

This season Everton had large success with a back 3 before sporadically losing our defensive players. Since then we’ve enjoyed a lot of success with ‘the Christmas tree’ formation, also known as a 4-3-2-1. With an industrious midfield 3 working hard to press and tackle, mixed with quality creative play from Schneiderlin and Barkley,  we have seen some great matches. After watching dull, slow, possession based football over the last 2 previous seasons, it has been a joy to watch Everton play again.

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For me, the culture of a club is really important. I think a large portion of the failings of the English National side is due to the lack of identity, which follows after the neglect of the ‘culture’ surrounding a team’s history. Everton love Mo Besic which says it all really, we want big tackles followed by a blend of sensual passing and gung-ho breaking forward. The ‘Christmas tree formation’ with 2 players sitting either side behind Lukaku allows for a lot of playing the ball in front of him, which is the footballing equivalent to watching an avalanche. It isn’t just beautiful, it’s exciting too. Thank you Koeman!

I’d like to see Calvert-Lewin play in a striking partnership with Lukaku

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Seamus Coleman (23) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton (29) reacts as Sadio Mane of Liverpool scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Seamus Coleman (23) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton (29) reacts as Sadio Mane of Liverpool scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on December 19, 2016 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

If Lukaku stays or leaves, I can see us playing with 2 upfront in the 2017/18 season. Koeman often opted for the Long and Pelle partnership while at Southampton, I can see us signing a mercurial forward to play off Lukaku, while we field a midfield diamond with Barkley at the peak. I would like to see him keep his duties of pressing but also given the license to roam about, secured by our hardy midfield 3 of Gana, Davies and Schneiderlin. We would have to sign a quick and competent centre back to be able to play this formation, which I believe is in the plans of Steve Walsh already.

Up the Ev.

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