Everton midfielder Allan faces uncertain future under Frank Lampard
Everton midfielder Allan is facing an uncertain future at the club.
During the summer, there have been some rumours that he could move to Italy, but nothing materialised in the end.
The 31-year-old picked up an injury that blighted his pre-season preparations. He is currently fit but Frank Lampard hasn’t picked him yet.
“Allan is fit, he is in the squad,” said Lampard on August 19, as quoted by Liverpool Echo.
“He’s back. He missed games in pre-season and, obviously, he’s missed that part so we’re trying to get him match-fit but he’s a really good pro and he’s fit, ready to go.”
Is fitness the main issue that is stopping him from getting games?
In the past 12-15 months, the Brazilian midfielder picked up freakish injuries. And it seems, he is still not in the best physical shape to contribute.
Carlo Ancelotti signed him from Napoli in 2020, and he has managed 57 appearances in the past two seasons.
His performance hasn’t been great either. Used mainly as a defensive midfielder, Allan has struggled in adapting to that role, which is not his best position at all.
He is a type of midfielder who loves to keep tidy possessions, and usually is more effective playing alongside a robust defensive midfielder.
With Idrissa Gueye back to his old club, and Everton signing Amadou Onana, will Lampard use him in the third midfield role? It seems highly unlikely.
There is now strong competition for places. The club added an exciting young talent in James Garner, while Tom Davies has impressed heavily.
Given Abdoulaye Doucoure played his best football when given a free role, Lampard needs to make a bold call on how to use Allan effectively. He faces tough fight to turn his situation around.