Allan’s first season in English football has been one of ups and downs. On Sunday, in Everton’s 1-0 win over West Ham United, his debut term with the Toffees arguably reached its peak.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first-half goal was enough for Everton to continue their excellent away record and keep their hopes of European qualification alive.
But it was the Brazilian who was named man of the match by broadcasters Sky and by the Everton supporters. And alongside Tom Davies in midfield, who was happy to sit in front of the defence and mop up, it was no surprise to see Allan looking liberated.
Been calling for Allan to have a holding player next to him for ages. How much better did he look with Tom sitting next to him? Looked liberated today… #EFC
— Matt Jones (@MattJFootball) May 9, 2021
Our Al fella. 💉 pic.twitter.com/dqt86T6P6d
— Everton (@Everton) May 10, 2021
For the majority of this season it’s been the former Napoli man who has been asked to do the shielding job. While in the main he’s performed it well, Allan’s instincts are to go hunting for the ball, meaning he can vacate his position and leave space in front of the defence.
With Davies in the team alongside him, this didn’t happen against West Ham. The shackles were off the 30-year-old, as he was able to stomp around the pitch and disrupt the home team’s attacks time after time.
Davies, who Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti compared to himself recently, has found his role as the deepest-sitting midfielder this term, simplifying his game and developing his defensive instincts. While he may not be an elite performer, when he’s been in the team he’s freed up others to go and do their job.
Allan was the main beneficiary of that on Sunday, as he resembled the all-action, box-to-box presence that made him one of the best all-around midfielders on the planet during his time in Serie A.
With Abdoulaye Doucoure back on the bench at West Ham and James Rodriguez set to be back in training again this week, the composition of Everton’s midfield could change again when they visit Aston Villa on Thursday for another crucial game.
But the formula on Sunday brought the best from one of Everton’s vital players and it’d be a risk to tinker too much after it yielded encouraging results.