Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton: A Tactical Analysis of a Premier League Revival
After David Moyes’ departure for Manchester United in 2013, Everton underwent a period of instability marked by frequent managerial changes and inconsistent performances. While Roberto Martinez provided some stability until 2016, the subsequent managerial spells of Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, and Marco Silva failed to restore Everton’s former competitiveness. This changed when the club appointed renowned manager Carlo Ancelotti and invested in key players, sparking a dramatic upturn in form. With a fresh tactical identity and smart recruitment—including James Rodriguez, Allan, and Abdoulaye Doucoure—the 2020-21 season saw the Toffees surge to the top of the Premier League table. This analysis explores Ancelotti’s impact and tactical approach during the campaign’s early stages.
Ancelotti’s Flexible 4-3-3: Everton’s Core System
Everton have consistently started the season utilizing a 4-3-3 formation, but under Ancelotti, the structure is highly dynamic and tailored to maximize the strengths of key individuals. While the system starts as a recognizable 4-3-3 on paper, player movement frequently causes the shape to shift, especially in attack.
A standout shift is James Rodriguez’s deployment. Rather than occupying the traditional right-wing role, Rodriguez operates as a right-sided playmaker, finding pockets of space centrally and dropping deep to orchestrate play. This allows right back Seamus Coleman to push forward on the overlap. On the left, Richarlison often tucks in closer to striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, enabling left back Lucas Digne to bomb forward and create width. As a result, Everton’s attacking shape can resemble a 2-3-3-2, showcasing the side’s positional flexibility.
Initially, Ancelotti leaned towards a 4-4-2, but following the arrivals of Allan and Doucoure to strengthen the midfield, Everton have embraced the 4-3-3. The tactical setup might adjust to a 4-2-3-1 if Rodriguez is moved centrally—offering room in wide areas for the likes of Alex Iwobi or Theo Walcott. Gylfi Sigurdsson also remains an attacking midfield option.
Everton’s preferred starting lineup has featured remarkable consistency across the opening three matches:
– Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
– Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Lucas Digne
– Midfielders: Allan, Andre Gomes, Abdoulaye Doucoure
– Forwards: James Rodriguez, Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Bench options include Alex Iwobi, Tom Davies, Gylfi Sigurdsson, and Moise Kean. This stable selection has fostered both chemistry and tactical cohesion.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: The Modern Striker in a Possession-Based Attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s early-season goal-scoring heroics have drawn attention, but his role within Ancelotti’s system is more nuanced than that of a traditional target man. Rather than being the focal point of direct long balls, Calvert-Lewin remains minimally involved during build-up phases, averaging just 14 completed passes per game. Everton prioritize patient progression up the pitch, often avoiding rushed, direct service.
Instead, Calvert-Lewin thrives by playing on the shoulder of defenders, consistently seeking opportunities for incisive passes or crosses into the penalty area. His instinctive, one-touch finishing and aerial prowess stand out in a league where most strikers are heavily involved in build-up play. Under the guidance of coach Duncan Ferguson, Calvert-Lewin has evolved into a true central forward, adding considerable threat to Everton’s attack without sacrificing the team’s short-passing and possession-based principles.
The Central Role of James Rodriguez: Playmaker and Instigator
Everton’s acquisition of James Rodriguez has proven transformative. The Colombian playmaker has seamlessly transitioned into the squad, elevating Everton’s creativity and passing range. Rodriguez is unique among Everton’s outfielders for his willingness and ability to play longer, horizontal or diagonal passes, averaging 7.7 completed long balls per match.
Rodriguez frequently drops into central areas to dictate play. Instead of sticking to the right flank, he drifts inside, facilitating quick switches of play and unlocking opposition defenses. This tendency enables Everton to shift attacks to the left—43% of the team’s advances are initiated on that side—taking advantage of the dynamism of Digne, Gomes, and Richarlison.
Rodriguez’s playmaking not only drives chance creation through cross-field passes but also creates numerical overloads in central areas. His freedom to attempt riskier passes has proved highly effective, giving Everton a versatile and unpredictable attack. Maintaining Rodriguez’s fitness and form will be crucial to any top-four ambitions.
Midfield Balance: The Engine Room of Ancelotti’s Everton
A major improvement under Ancelotti has been Everton’s midfield structure. The trio of Allan, Doucoure, and Gomes provides a blend of defensive solidity, ball progression, and tactical intelligence.
– **Allan:** Anchors the midfield as a defensive shield and deep-lying playmaker, dictating the tempo and excelling at recovering possession. He leads the team—fourth-best in the league—in tackles per match.
– **Abdoulaye Doucoure:** Offers mobility, defensive cover, and supports wide players, allowing Rodriguez the freedom to roam and fullbacks to join the attack.
– **Andre Gomes:** Plays a more restrained role, with a focus on keeping possession and distributing the ball rather than making forward runs.
This setup contrasts with last season’s midfield, which struggled for balance and defensive protection, particularly in transition. The presence of two defensively adept midfielders allows Everton to commit fullbacks and attackers forward without sacrificing stability.
Richarlison’s commitment to defensive duties further reinforces Everton’s resilience, as he ranks just behind Allan in midfield tackles per game. This collective work rate has rendered Everton difficult to break down, even for counter-attacking teams.
Set-Piece Threat: Variety in Goal-Scoring Methods
Everton’s ability to capitalize on set-pieces is another valuable dimension of their game. In their first three matches, half of the team’s eight goals have come from set-piece situations—including penalty kicks and headers from corners. This efficiency reflects both the quality of dead-ball deliverers such as Digne and Rodriguez and the aerial prowess of targets like Calvert-Lewin, Keane, and Mina.
While the progression towards a possession-oriented style may reduce the frequency of set-piece opportunities, the Toffees’ proficiency in these situations remains an important asset—especially against well-organized defenses.
Conclusion: Ancelotti’s Blueprint for Success
Everton’s strong start to the 2020-21 Premier League season is the result of meticulous tactical planning, high-profile signings, and a shift towards a more balanced and progressive style. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the club’s midfield stability, attacking flexibility, and multi-faceted goal threat have positioned Everton as one of the most cohesive and exciting teams in the division.
With a settled starting eleven and key players excelling in tailored roles, Everton are well-placed to challenge for European places this season. The continued fitness and form of influential figures such as James Rodriguez and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be vital as the squad aims for sustained success.
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Everton’s tactical transformation under Carlo Ancelotti demonstrates how the combination of experienced management, smart acquisitions, and tactical adaptability can revive a club’s fortunes in the fiercely competitive Premier League.
