View: Ancelotti must not disrupt Everton system with Doucoure reintroduction
Tom Davies and Allan have rarely started for Everton together since the Brazilian joined the club last summer, and that’s a crying shame.
Often relied upon to be Everton’s spoiler and break up play, Allan’s defensive work has been strong throughout the campaign, and in his brief periods of absence he has been sorely missed.
However playing alongside Davies allows his more forward thinking abilities to shine, and that’s what the Toffees need to tap into more often.
Carlo Ancelotti reinstated Davies to the starting line-up against West Ham after leaving him on the bench in the two Premier League games prior, and it immediately turned out to be the right decision.
Not only was Davies confident and composed in a defensive role, and always willing to put his body on the line, he also freed up Allan to be more creative on the ball.
Gylfi Sigurdsson’s influence is never a sure thing and with Andre Gomes struggling for form, Everton have been left bereft of ideas in midfield with no one willing to put their foot on the ball and make things happen.
Davies coming into a deeper role has allowed Allan to do that, with the England Under-21s international taking over some of the defensive responsibilities that all too often hold Allan back.
Abdoulaye Doucoure was named in the match-day squad against West Ham for the first time since early March, and though he remained on the bench for the duration he will soon see his return to action.
Everton though must be wary not to break up an effective system when they reintroduce the Frenchman back into the fray.
At the beginning of the season it was the job of Allan to do the hard defensive work, the job of Andre Gomes to create and the job of Doucoure to set the tempo. However Ancelotti can make his team work even more effectively by keeping Davies in the team even when Doucoure returns.
If Davies remains as a screen for the defence, Doucoure and Allan can partner their energy and ability on the ball to drive forward for the Blues, all the while knowing that they have protection in behind them.
It is a system Ancelotti has not yet tried, and with Doucoure soon to return the Italian coach should take care not to disrupt the plan that worked so well against the Hammers.
In other Everton news, Blues eye ‘Transformed’ PL dribbling sensation, Ancelotti is a ‘big fan’.
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