During the latest episode of the TIFO Podcast for The Athletic, Joe Devine and Seb Stafford-Bloor were joined by George Caulkin to discuss a variety of Premier League teams.
One topic of conversation on the recent episode, which was titled ‘Manchester United vs Arsenal, Everton’s squad depth & George Caulkin on Newcastle United‘, was Everton midfielder, Allan. Since joining from Napoli in the summer transfer window, the Brazilian has been a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s Premier League side, having started six out of their seven fixtures so far this season, averaging a strong 6.84 rating (per WhoScored).
The 29-year-old impressed once again at the weekend, despite the Toffees’ 2-1 loss against Newcastle United, earning a 7.02 rating for his performance, which was the second-best of any Everton player on the day (per WhoScored).
Here’s what Devine had to say about Allan and Everton’s midfield during the podcast:
“What is interesting, [more] from a system perspective about Everton, is that clearly [in] the new midfield three, that balance is so perfect, that when you take one element out of it, it’s actually difficult to know how to replace it. If you think about the differing qualities and the way that they complement each other, of James [Rodriguez], of Allan – who I think was Everton’s best player during this game [against Newcastle] – of Abdoulaye Doucoure.”
He later adds:
“Allan is great at those line-breaking passes, he’s fantastic at recycling possession, isn’t a bad defender, does his job exceptionally well. He has that higher edge of quality that, generally speaking, players in that position do and [for] Everton, it’s fantastic that he’s there.”
TIF Thoughts on Devine’s praise of Allan…
WhoScored lists Allan’s strengths as tackling, passing and concentration, which arguably backs up Devine’s point about him being proficient as both a defensive-minded midfielder and someone who can use the ball efficiently.
Have you been impressed with Allan's start to life at Everton?
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The 29-year-old has certainly made a solid start to his Everton career but as Devine suggests, what is important for the Toffees is knowing who to bring in to replace Allan, or anyone else in their midfield trio, should they miss out, as he believes that Rodriguez, Allan and Doucoure currently have the ‘perfect’ balance.