Everton: 3 roles Jean-Philippe Gbamin could play under Carlo Ancelotti

2. In a midfield pivot

Early in the season, for a brief period, Carlo Ancelotti deployed Everton in a 4-2-3-1 where James played as a No.10. Allan and Doucoure formed the midfield pivot where the former Watford man had the freedom to surge forward, showing his typical box to box abilities while the Brazilian acts the first line of defence.

Till the time Doucoure is unavailable, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Allan could form the double midfield pivot and carry out different responsibilities. The most beneficial part of having a midfield pivot with these two will be both the players are adept enough to either play the role of a protector or even indulge forward with their press breaking runs.

Gbamin’s stature and credentials allow him to use his strength and screen the defence. While the full-backs raid forward, Gbamin could stay back with the central defenders to make up for lack of bodies in the defensive half.

The advantage of having a reliable midfield pivot is that Everton can have an extra attacker ahead apart from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Rodriguez. Perhaps, Joshua King or Alex Iwobi could feature on the right.

When Doucoure returns, the midfield could be reconfigured but until the time the 28-year-old returns, a double pivot with Allan and Gbamin could solve some of the issues.