The return of Allan to the Everton team ahead of the Merseyside derby is music to the ears of Evertonians. The Brazilian has come as a saviour to stabilize the inconsistent midfield. Without a doubt, Allan has become one of the most essential players in the Everton system under Carlo Ancelotti.
Back in December, Allan suffered a muscle injury against Leicester City which ruled him out for months. The former Napoli man was a key cog for Ancelotti who brilliantly guarded the back four and patrolled the Everton D-area. His loss would make the Toffees vulnerable and more susceptible to opposition attacks as Allan was no longer there to absorb pressure and break down the offensive movements.
The Toffees needed a replacement in the lineup and the list of possible candidates included Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes. Doucoure couldn’t be tied down to a holding midfield role as that would mean a compromise with his box to box character and underutilizing his energy and skills. Gomes wasn’t going through a green patch of form and isn’t the best bet as a midfield anchor with his qualities better suited in the opposition half. Davies was trusted the responsibility.
Tom Davies did a commendable job replacing Allan
The previous season, the local boy played in a similar position and didn’t have a record that could be endorsed. There was an air of scepticism around Davies being entrusted with the role of a midfield general. There were surely some volatile performances, shaky moments but Davies has coped extremely well. Especially in the last few games, the 22 year old has looked a different, evolved and confident version of himself.
Even in the latest loss to Manchester City, Davies posted good numbers and was strong in his positioning without the ball. Is he Allan’s successor in the No.6 role? That’s too early to say but as of now, he’s done enough to earn Ancelotti’s praise and shut the bar debate whether he’s capable of wearing the Royal Blue jersey or not.
Ancelotti hinted that Davies being the only local boy in the team, will have a higher sense of motivation and passion but Allan’s return surely gives a headache to Ancelotti over team selection for which the Italian needs to find the aspirin.
Can both Everton players start against Liverpool?
Allan’s quality reigns supreme over Davies but the momentum and passion of the derby aids the Englishman. Playing both can be an option but that would result in a lot of tinkering. The Toffees could line up in a 4-3-2-1 formation in order to make room for Davies, Doucoure and Allan in the midfield three.
Lining up the team in a Christmas tree formation hasn’t always yielded positive results so reverting back to a 4-2-3-1 is the ideal solution but that would mean that either Allan or Davies would remain on the bench.
Everton have a chance to register their first win at Anfield in 22 years and the biggest selection dilemma for the team looms large.