Strongest Everton XI featuring new and imminent signings
After a season of relative disappointment where they finished 12th, Everton are looking to start the new season on the up. Carlo Ancelotti will be starting his first full season as Everton manager after taking over from Marco Silva midway through the season.
Since taking over, gradual improvement was noticed in the team’s style of play. That was to be expected nonetheless, as Ancelotti is one of the most successful managers currently, with multiple continental and domestic titles to his name.
The Toffees have already grabbed plenty of headlines this summer with as many as three marquee signings in the shape of Abdoulaye Doucoure for £20m, James Rodriguez for £12m, and Allan £25m.
Below we take a look at how Carlo Ancelotti can set up Everton for the coming season by accommodating the new players.
Strongest Everton XI
Formation: 4-4-2
GK – Jordan Pickford
The Englishman was poor last season but with Everton not showing any concrete interest in bringing in another keeper, it looks like Pickford will continue to keep his place between the sticks.
Defence – Lucas Digne, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Jonjoe Kenny
Digne was one of the standout performers last year and with the retirement of club legend Leighton Baines, Digne is an undisputed starter at left-back. After a good loan spell with Schalke, Jonjoe Kenny will stake a claim for the right-back spot. Mason Holgate and Michael Keane should be the first-choice centre-halves.
Midfield – Bernard, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Rodriguez.
It is in the midfield where we see a complete transformation. Three new faces are expected to be lining up in the middle of the park. Allan and Doucoure should be the deeper-lying duo of the quartet, while James and Bernard could be in charge of the creative duties.
Allan and James have previously worked under Ancelotti, which could ensure a seamless transition into the team.
Read more
- Why Everton offering Michael Keane a new deal is a sensible decision
- Why Everton must send Moise Kean back to Italy on loan
Attack – Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin
With 26 goals between the pair last season, there were simply no better options to throw in the frontline. Both players are still very young but are improving by each passing season. However, the club should look to bring a reliable backup in case of any long-term injuries to either player.
