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View: Josh King could be the answer to Everton's lack of creative options
Everton are set to face Burnley on Saturday afternoon and they could be without both Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez.
Carlo Ancelotti revealed in his pre-match press conference [Sky Sports] that James would be unavailable to feature, while Sigurdsson is a doubt after picking up a knock against Chelsea.
With both playmakers out of action Everton will have to look elsewhere to provide creativity and link the midfield to the attack, and Josh King could be the man to do just that.
While playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League, the Norway international was used in a variety of roles by Eddie Howe, having played as a winger, a centre-forward and as a second striker.
Having scored 48 goals in the English top flight for the Cherries, King is no stranger to being in front of goal, while he has also registered 14 assists in the Premier League.
Though not a prolific creator, King does the technical ability, the pace and the strength to operate in a role behind the front-line, and he could very well do that behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison against Burnley.
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Ancelotti also revealed his pre-match press conference [Everton’s YouTube channel] that King could play alongside Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin in a 4-3-3 formation if required to do so, and perhaps we could expect to see that change.
Tom Davies, Allan and Andre Gomes would provide enough battle in midfield that King could be allowed to express his creativity and attacking prowess as a wide forward for the Blues.
Having made seven appearances for Everton as a substitute since signing last month without having yet started for the club, Ancelotti could now see fit to hand the 29-year old his big opportunity to impress.
Everton remain only four points behind Chelsea in fourth place with a game in hand, and they will hope to get back to winning ways against Burnley as they strive to bring European football back to Goodison Park next season.
In other Everton news, Calvert-Lewin hopes to emulate Harry Kane’s success at Everton.