In relegation scrap, Frank Lampard has preferred to stick with a same lineup as much as possible but injuries and suspensions have forced him to make alterations. Fabian Delph’s injury meant that Everton would have to rely on someone else to do the defensive midfield work. Against Crystal Palace, Allan should be the man for the job.
Delph was excellent in games against Chelsea and Leicester City but he picked up a muscle injury which potentially ruled him out for the remaining games. Against Brentford, it was expected that Allan will fill in the role, but Lampard named Andre Gomes on the team sheet alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Gomes has had a lackluster season, playing just 13 games. The Portuguese did not have a remarkable game, but instead failed to make any lasting impact from the middle of the park. When Jarrad Branthwaite was handed a red card, there was a possibility of introducing Allan to help Everton in the defensive responsibilities.
However, there was no sight of the Brazilian. Everton lacked solidity in the midfield against the Bees and to avoid a repeat of the Brentford situation, Allan must start the game.
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Allan must start ahead of Andre Gomes for Everton
In recent games, Allan’s presence has sort of reduced because of Lampard’s preference to play Delph over the Brazilian. Delph made his experience and leadership qualities count in the relegation battle but his injury deprives Everton of a player of his profile.
Defensively, Allan has reliable in the middle, doing up all the dirty work. The 31 year old has played 28 Premier League games. The Brazilian has been excellent in pressuring his opponents and winning the ball back. The player averages 28.45 pressures per game, featuring in the top two percent of players in this parameter. He has attempted 77 tackles and succeeded in 61, having a tackle success rate of 80%.
Allan also has been successful in blocking the opponents and intercepting their passes. He averages 1.94 blocks and 1.64 interceptions. Allan may not be the commander needed in the midfield but he rises to the task and completes the job diligently.
Under Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace engages high and applies pressure right into the opponent’s box, showing great urgency. An enforcer like Allan is needed to resist the press or provide a counter press opportunity. The threat of Conor Gallagher can disturb Everton’s flow so Allan should be the man to negate Gallagher’s threat.
The former Napoli man has also been rumoured to leave Everton in the summer and if that is the case, he would like to end his association with Everton on a sweet note and what better than helping the side in achieving Premier League safety for next season.
Will Allan be influential against Palace?