OPINION
With Everton confirming that Gylfi Sigurdsson had sustained a knee injury, Sam Allardyce should look to feature Yannick Bolasie in his place.
The Toffees’ official Twitter account confirmed on Monday that Sigurdsson was set to see a specialist after picking up a knee injury during the 2-0 victory against Brighton on Saturday.
? | Gylfi Sigurdsson will see a specialist this evening to determine a timeframe for recovery from the knee injury he sustained on Saturday. #EFC https://t.co/KmURixQ803
— Everton (@Everton) March 12, 2018
It’s unknown how long the Icelandic international will be out for, but with him travelling to see a specialist it can be assumed that he will miss at least a few games.
Davy Klaassen who the Toffees signed for £23.6million, according to the BBC, from Ajax in the summer is the ideal replacement for Sigurdsson as they’re both like-minded attacking midfielders.
However, Allardyce must choose to play Bolasie instead despite Klaassen being the most obvious option to take.
Sigurdsson has been constantly played out-of-position at the Toffees and has been stuck out on the left-wing for the majority of his 33 appearances this season.
There’s no reason to suggest that Allardyce will change his side’s shape without the 28-year-old, so Sigurdsson’s replacement will also be stuck on the left-wing.
Bolasie is naturally a left-winger whose blistering pace could cause the Toffees’ opposition to have nightmares and he would be easily able to deliver stellar performance while out on the left.
Klaassen wouldn’t excel on the left, as just like Sigurdsson, the Dutch midfielder can only make an impact when utilised from a central position.
While Klaassen has arguably failed to be given enough opportunities to impress, having made only 14 appearances this season, he’s unlikely to shine in place of Sigurdsson.
Bolasie has made 10 appearances this campaign for the Toffees since returning from injury, and hasn’t been able to put in any impressive performances.
However the speed demon, unlike his other outings, will be able to link-up with a now fit-again Leighton Baines who has recently returned to the team.
This partnership could be a thing of beauty for the Toffees, as the pair could bring out the best in each other.
Bolasie brings the pace while Baines is able to provide the delivery.
For these reasons, Allardyce must be bold and opt to unleash Bolasie into his starting line-up with Sigurdsson missing, rather than given Klaassen that chance that he’s entitled to.