Everton: 3 key positive differences in Rafa Benitez’s Everton compared to Ancelotti’s side

Demarai Gray has added pace to the Everton flanks

1.  Pace and Directness

Perhaps, this is the biggest change seen in Benitez’s blues. Despite being crippled by lack of freedom in the transfer market, Everton managed to sign Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend to bolster the wings, an area that was screaming for improvement for years.

Bernard, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi have been tried by previous managers but their productivity seems to have not matched the expectations. Iwobi under Rafa Benitez is thriving and showing big signs of improvement, however, his previous exploits have not yielded positive results.

Everton were lambasted for their lethargic counterattacks last season and while Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Richarlison tried to hit on the counter there was not much support from others.

The clear lack of pace was hurting Everton more than ever and signing a pacey winger with impressive dribbling and ball carrying abilities was the need of the hour. In comes, Demarai Gray, signed for a mere £1.7 million. Many thought that he had failed to live up to the billing after his bright start at Birmingham and Leicester but he has proved them all wrong and is shining in the royal blue jersey. Gray’s breathtaking pace and direct play add another dimension to the attack, something that was sorely missed under Ancelotti.

Under Rafa, the team has compromised on possession but they have grown immensely in their attacking threat. The speed and directness with which they attack often get the fans jumping off their seats.

Everton have been lightning quick on the counter as well, look at Gray’s goal against Burnley. Possession changed hands deep in Everton half and as soon as Abdoulaye Doucoure received the ball from Seamus Coleman, he threaded a splitting pass to Gray who made no mistake.

This rapidness and swiftness in the attack make the Toffees very dangerous to deal with and now there’s a real sense of menace in the attack.