Anichebe wants to see Rodriguez play more central role for Everton
Victor Anichebe has called for James Rodriguez to be utilised in a more central position for Everton in order to add more pace down the wings.
The former academy graduate made over 150 appearances for the Blues and had his say on a potential tactical tweak after Carlo Ancelotti’s side salvaged a point against Manchester United on Saturday through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s last gasp goal.
Everton lined up without a traditional winger at Old Trafford, setting up in a 4-3-1-2 formation with Rodriguez behind Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, something Anichebe is in half-agreement with.
Speaking on Stadium Astro’s Youtube channel [07/02//21] Anichebe detailed his reasoning for shifting the Colombian’s position, saying: “I would like to see him playing behind the striker more, not so much on the right even though he is good cutting off the right on to his left foot.
“But I think I would like to see him play behind the striker and a bit more pace down the sides, that’s what I would prefer.
“But wherever you put him he’s a quality player and he is impressive.”
The Rodriguez debate
According to Wyscout Rodriguez has made two starts as a central attacking midfielder in the Premier League with a further nine-minute cameo as a substitute against Southampton.
It is a short set of data but his xG across these three games was 0.28 per 90 while on the right, however, his xG drops to 0.17.
Putting him in more central positions will inevitably see him in more dangerous areas of the pitch but it forces Everton to either operate in a narrower formation as seen against Manchester United, or takes away a vital man in the middle of midfield.
The issue with the former is that Lucas Digne becomes the Blues only source of width as Mason Holgate down the right fails to provide this as a natural centre-back.
However if Rodriguez is played behind the striker in, say, a 4-2-3-1 formation, there is one less midfield enforcer and without Allan in the side it remains to be seen that the Blues can cope without his combative displays.
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been impressive but in Andre Gomes or Tom Davies alongside him they are seriously lacking and both are generally required to do their share of the duties.
There is also a dearth of natural wingers at the club, with only Alex Iwobi and Richarlison really available as senior options and they are both more comfortable in central areas.
This might be something director of football Marcel Brands addresses in the summer before Ancelotti permanently moves Rodriguez to a central position.
In other Everton news, our view on the big defensive decision facing Ancelotti after the draw at Old Trafford.