Football Season Guide

Everton spent big last summer, but this didn’t bring the desired results and after a very slow start Marco Silva got sacked, which subsequently saw vastly experienced Carlo Ancelotti taking charge. Under Ancelotti the displays definitely improved and, after a positive end to the campaign, the Toffees feel they have a solid base to build on. Main incoming transfer so far experienced playmaker Allan, who reunites wit Ancelotti after the good relationship between player and manager built during their time at Napoli. It seems that Ancelotti will again favour a 4-2-3-1 shape, although he tested formations with 3 at the back several times and could be flexible if needed. Calvert-Lewin should be trusted to lead the line while, after some solid transfer activity last summer, Everton have plenty of back up material for the forward positions. The situation is not the same in defence where only 3 typical centre-backs are on the books right now and 2 of them have a long history of injury issues. The main strength of the team is likely to be the rich experience of their manager Ancelotti. Also Everton should have solid possession stats with lots of quality midfielders and forward players. Defensively the problems remain, not just because the numbers at the back are not enough, but also because Everton can’t really rely on their goalkeeper Pickford much. His mistakes have been rapidly increasing in the last 2 years and right now he’s seen as a major liability for the team.