Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

Five things we’ve learned about Everton in 2020/21 so far

By Chris Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates with Andre Gomes, Richarlison and Yerry Mina of Everton after scoring his team's first goal the during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 13, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton celebrates with Andre Gomes, Richarlison and Yerry Mina of Everton after scoring his team's first goal the during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 13, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Everton
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: James Rodriguez of Everton celebrates after scoring the second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on September 19, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus) /

The transfers of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure have enabled a new structure for the Toffees.

2. New signings, new structure

Last season’s miserable 12th-place finish could be best summed up by Everton’s midfield. Rudderless and with about as much backbone as an invertebrate, the Toffees’ middle third was passed through and out-manoeuvred with ease while, regardless of under Marco Silva or Ancelotti later in the season, watching them try to progress the ball forward was painful, if we’re being polite.

This season, with the arrivals of James Rodriguez, Allan and Aboulaye Doucoure, Ancelotti’s side has a whole new structure and approach on both sides of the ball.

Operating from his preferred inside-right position, Rodriguez has revitalised the Toffees in the final third, creating the third-highest number of chances (12) of any player in the Premier League en route to registering two assists, while the Colombian has also chipped in with three goals. The 29-year-old is far more than just a ‘Hollywood’ signing.

light. Must Read. Everton transfer window a big success

Behind Rodriguez, Doucoure has proved to be a massive upgrade in Everton’s engine room, winning the ball back, maintaining possession and offering the Toffees a brilliant box-to-box option. This sort of mobility and security is exactly what Everton lacked last season.

Finally, and arguably most impressively, Allan has offered defensive solidity and tenacity out of possession the likes of which we haven’t seen since Idrissa Gana Gueye departed for PSG.

Despite missing the 4-2 win over Brighton recently, the Brazilian has made more tackles (19) and fouls (8) than any other Everton player, helping to protect his back four and break up opposition counter-attacks.

All of this has freed up Andre Gomes to operate further up the pitch, while the ball is now reaching the likes of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison with far more regularity, resulting in a quicker, more decisive and far more dangerous Everton side.

Home/Everton FC News