New boys Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend could also start
Midfield:
Central midfield: Allan
Carlo Ancelotti signed Allan but a player like Allan will be any manager’s wish. Benitez would be more than happy to craft the Brazilian in the team and make him a lynchpin in the engine room. Allan’s press breaking runs and brave ball winning tackles are something that the Toffees are always delighted to watch.
Central midfield: Abdoulaye Doucoure
Abdoulaye Doucoure brings energy and power to the midfield. His box to box runs and contributions in defence help Everton kill two birds with one stone. The former Watford man will enjoy a bit more freedom than Allan but the duo can together form a reliable and sound double pivot.
Left wing: Demarai Gray
New signing Demarai Gray could start on the left wing, adding pace to the Toffees attack. For long, the Royal Blues have been slandered for lack of pace and lethargic counter attacks, Gray’s presence is likely to solve this issue to some extent. Everton seem to have made a wise investment of €2 million on Gray.
Right wing: Andros Townsend
Last season Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored seven headed goals. Some might argue that had the service been better, DCL might have scored even more. Andros Townsend solves that purpose. The winger’s crossing prowess is well acclaimed and could prove to be the missing piece in the attack. Townsend averaged the best cross accuracy last season, attempting 89 crosses.