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Few examples from the weekend on the problems with Everton's midfield out of possession, specifically with Allan at the base:
Allan pulled forward instead of sitting and protecting back 4, midfield is pulled into a flat line and lots of space for Bruno and Mata behind. Fred finds Mata in this example.
Build-up to 1st goal: Doucouré attention attracted by Bruno, Allan does nothing to narrow off inside and prevent/deter the pass directly into Martial, forcing Keane to step out of defensive line.
Build-up to 2nd goal: Allan again struggles to protect space in front of his defence, holding his position and allowing Rashford to pull off Keane and receive and turn. Keane could be more aggressive in stepping out of his slot here + Doucouré could’ve also moved inside.
Doucouré steps out to press Maguire, Allan again doesn’t cover across, James doesn’t cover inside and Coleman has to come racing infield. Coleman completely bypassed when Bruno flicks round the corner first time into Shaw, leaving Keane 1v1 in channel with Rashford.
Ancelotti has done a good job with Everton so far, especially in relation to their improvements in possession when their first XI is available (wide rotations, right-to-left switches, building off 2nd balls into DCL etc.) and they’ll continue to be a big threat to most sides.
The lack of compactness off the ball both in a block and in transition will be worrying however, and the lack of support for DCL when Richarlison has been unavailable has made it easy to nullify them in possession.
