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Everton: 3 players who need to step up after Richarliosn’s suspension

By Parth Jhaveri

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Richarlison of Everton reacts after a disallowed goal during the Premier League match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on September 19, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Richarlison of Everton reacts after a disallowed goal during the Premier League match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on September 19, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Everton’s Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez (R) runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Brighton Hove and Albion at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on October 3, 2020. (Photo by Alex Livesey / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ALEX LIVESEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

James Rodriguez could feature in Sunday’s game.

2. James Rodriguez

Thursday afternoon Ancelotti delivered a blow that James is ruled out for the Southampton game but in less than 24 hours the Italian has made a U-turn, not completely ruling the Colombian out of the game. Rodriguez did light and partial training and could still feature against Saints. If he does feature against Southampton, he’ll have to take up more responsibility in absence of Richarlison.

James Rodriguez is already a top performer in the team, creating chances in the final third and controlling the tempo of the Everton attack. So on the offensive side, James Rodriguez is extracting the maximum from himself.

Trending. 3 most dangerous Southampton players Everton need to be aware of. light

Richarlison is an exploitative player up front but what makes his gameplay more remarkable is his defensive commitment to the side. We often see the Brazilian running up and down the left flank, helping Lucas Digne in defence.

Plenty of times Richarlison drops deep on the left wing trying to add numerical superiority while defending. This allows Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez to remain up the pitch and not commit themselves too much defensively.

But, with a presser like Richarlison out, the Colombian will have to be more committed defensively. Tracking back, pressing the opponent, off the ball moment to preserve the shape will be some of the duties that James will have to fulfil.

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