Well at last Allan has been confirmed as an Everton player this morning and he has spoken to the media about his long-anticipated switch to Goodison Park.
The Brazilian spoke of how important Carlo Ancelotti has been in persuading him to quit Napoli for Everton this summer and become the Toffees first major signing under the Italian.
I think I speak for most Evertonians when I say how good it feels to have Allan finally signed and sealed as it were!
Now the question is how and where will Allan fit into his new team’s restructured midfield when the new Premier League season begins next weekend.
We’ve already touched on these issues before, but one thing that it might mean is that the Blues would finally be able to play a 4-3-3 formation.
While I have gone on about this, a bit like a broken record at times, I think that Allan’s arrival will enable Everton to play in a way that I believe will best suit the team.
That way would be to line up in a 4-3-3. I’ve always felt this would be the most effective tactical system to get the most out of the players.
Since his arrival at Goodison Park, the Blues boss has persisted with a 4-4-2 and Allan is comfortable playing in that system, he played that way under Ancelotti at Napoli.
However, I feel that overall it would be better for Everton to switch to playing a three in midfield and up front. This provides the best defensive cover, the most flexible system and maximises the strengths of the Toffees players.
Allan’s main qualities are his tackling and pressing of the ball. But he is also very comfortable and not a little creative in possession. He’s a very good passer of the ball with the ability to take on and beat a man, so he can offer a few goals and assists too.
Looking forward though, I think for Everton he may ultimately be better suited to play a deeper and more defensive role.
I would envisage him playing as the central anchor in a three-man midfield with probably Andre Gomes and Abdoulaye Doucoure either side of him. Alternatively, he could play in a more advanced role with Doucoure and Jean-Philppe Gbamin if he can get healthy again..?
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This would allow say Gomes and Doucoure to get forward and link up with the team’s attackers while still leaving Allan to screen the back four.
In front of them might be a front three of James Rodriguez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Allan’s fellow Brazilian, Richarlison.
Or alternatively Rodriguez might play deeper in the midfield three and then perhaps Moise Kean could be given a chance to prove himself with a regular starting spot. Again, in a slight adjustment to the formation, Rodriguez could also play as a floating number 10 behind the two strikers.
The width would be provided by the two full-backs, playing in a more advanced attacking role with the added protection offered by a three-man midfield.
Anyway, of course, these tactical decisions are up to Ancelotti and I’m sure he will be pondering all his various before Everton take on Spurs next Sunday.