Month: September 2020

Editor's Pick/Popular/Premier League
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Liverpool vs Arsenal: Liverpool extend Anfield unbeaten run

by marina
Liverpool hosted Arsenal at Anfield, whereby they beat Arsenal 3 : 1. Indeed this match was an anticipated one. Following the previous successive losses

Liverpool hosted Arsenal at Anfield, whereby they beat Arsenal 3 : 1. Indeed this match was an anticipated one. Following the previous successive losses by Liverpool to Arsenal, Klopp was determined to beat them. Earlier on in the week, Klopp praised Arteta for the changes he has made at Arsenal, especially in the balance of play. However, he made remarks that Arsenal would play at Anfield twice in the season this far. Firstly for the Premier League first leg, then secondly for the EFL Cup round.

The game

Arsenal opened the score sheets with a goal from Lacazette, following a defensive error by Robertson. On the other hand, In the 27th minute, Sadio Mane equalized. Salah made a shot for the goal, it was punched by the Arsenal goalkeeper, only to come in Sadio Mane’s path. He tapped in the loose ball. Before the break, Trent made a nice cross that found Robertson at the far post. He was unmarked. The Scottish left-back made a nice first touch to stop the ball and sent it to the back of the net. Despite Arsenal’s defensive organization, a third goal found the back of the net. Diego Jota made his debut coming on from the bench. The former Wolves’ forward was subbed in for Mane. Having missed several opportunities prior, he could not just miss the next chance. He scored the third goal for The Reds, sealing their victory.

Liverpool hosted Arsenal at Anfield, whereby they beat Arsenal 3 : 1.
Diego Jota celebrates debut goal vs Arsenal. Photo credits: Liverpool CityFC

Also Read

Formation

Liverpool is currently unbeaten at Anfield in the past 3 years. It is at Anfield where they managed a comeback against a strong Barcelona side in the 18/19 Champions League. Arteta had fielded the usual back three with two midfielders in the middle of the pack, that is Elneny and Xhaka. During the first half, Arsenal lacked an attacking edge. Later on, Ceballos came in for Xhaka.

Liverpool played the usual back 4, with two attacking full-backs to increase the press. Indeed Klopp’s side was pressing high up the pitch. Moreover, they were also keen to avoid suffering quick breaks. The high press ensured that Arsenal would not play comfortably from the back.

On Thursday, Liverpool host Arsenal once again for the EFL round of matches. Will Klopp extend the unbeaten run? Will Arteta suffer yet another defeat against Klopp?

England/Main Stories/Premier League
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Vardy bags hat-trick as Leicester beat Manchester City

by marina
Jamie Vardy scored a hat-trick as Leicester played against Manchester City, a second in his career against Manchester City

Hat-trick double

Jamie Vardy scored a hat-trick as Leicester played against Manchester City, a second in his career against Manchester City. Manchester City hosted the Foxes, in what was supposed to be a close match. Manchester City lost to Leicester City, 2:5. Following this defeat, this is the first time Pep has conceded five goals as a coach. Guardiola has faced losses, but never lost by five goals.

A top corner shot by Mahrez opened the scoring charts. The game at then seemed to be going Manchester City’s way. However, this was short-lived. Jamie Vardy was fouled in the box by Kyle Walker. As a result, Michael Oliver, the referee, did not hesitate to point to the spot. Well, the English striker hardly misses this kind of chances. Vardy superbly flicked the ball past Ederson following a great pass by Timothy Castagne.

More goals …

Eric Garcia committed a foul in the box, which resulted to a penalty. As expected, Vardy found the back of the net. The striker’s goal completed his second hat-trick ever against Pep Guardiola’s side. Afterward, James Maddison was subbed in for Praet. It did not take long for him to find the back of the net. A magnificent strike to the top corner from outside the box ensured Leicester is 3 goals ahead. At this moment, the score was 4:1.

Jamie Vardy after being awarded the match ball vs Manchester City.
Jamie Vardy after he was awarded the match ball vs Manchester City. Photo Credits Jamie Vardy

Nathan Ake, the new signing from Bournemouth, headed in a corner kick to increase the Cityzen’s tally in this game to two. The presence of VAR in the Premier League has resulted to the awarding of 15 penalties so far. A foul by Mendy led to the third penalty of the game. Tielemans fired the fifth goal past Ederson. The goal sealed Leicester City’s win against Manchester City.

Also Read

League Standings

As things stand, the Foxes are on top of the table with 9 points. They have a better goal difference compared to Everton, with whom they have tied at 9 points. The Cityzens face Bielsa’s, Leeds United, in their next game. On the other hand, Leicester plays host to Westham United. Will Pep bounce back from this defeat?

Bundesliga/Europe
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Bundesliga Giant, Leipzig FC, Signs Norwegian Striker Sorloth

by Lawrence Juma
Leipzig signs Alexander Sorloth from Crystal Palace for 20 million Euros. After selling Werner to Chelsea ...

Leipzig signs Alexander Sorloth from Crystal Palace for 20 million Euros. After selling Werner to Chelsea the Bundesliga giant has been looking for a striker replacement. The team is seeking to strengthen their attacking power to remain competitive in their division.

Norwegian Alexander Sorloth has been enlisted to join his countryman Erling Braut Haaland at the Bundesliga. This comes after signing for RB Leipzig on Tuesday. He replaces German striker Timo Werner who left for the EPL.

Alexander Sorloth and Haaland celebrate goal in Norway shirt
Haaland and Sorloth celebrate goal while playing fopr Norway.

Player quality

The German club reportedly paid Crystal Palace 20 million euros ($23 million) for the 24-year-old.  Sorloth scored 33 goals and set up 11 more in 49 competitive games last season. He was on loan to the Turkish side Trabzonspor.

Furthermore, Jan Age Fjortoft, former Norway striker and Sky Sports pundit, asserted that Sorloth would light up the Bundesliga.

“The offensive football played under (head coach) Julian Nagelsmann ideally suits his style of play”, Jan said. On the other hand, Sorloth said that he is looking forward to the challenge in the Bundesliga.

The Bundesliga is arguably the fastest league in the world where only the best talents can be absorbed. RB Leipzig, the fans, and the whole of Bundesliga are looking forward to Alexander Sorloth. Read more about the transfers here.

Also Read

His massive physique, at 1.94m, as well as a strong left foot combined with excellent header game will be put to German style soccer test.

However, Fjortoft said that Sorloth could have the same impact as 19-year-old Haaland.  Haaland scored 18 goals in his first 20 games for Dortmund, another major club in German Football.

Manchester United, Tottenham Spurs, and other top tier European clubs had also been eyeing Sorloth. As a result of his stellar performance in English and Turkish football.

Editor's Pick/England/Popular
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Questions Raised About Thiago Silva’s Age as He Joins Chelsea

by Lawrence Juma
Chelsea's newest signing Thiago Silva has shrugged off concerns he might struggle to adapt to the Premier League pace.

Chelsea’s newest signing Thiago Silva has shrugged off concerns he might struggle to adapt to the Premier League pace. Critics have continued insisting that the Brazilian veteran could find it rough at Stamford Bridge. Read how foreign players adopt the premier league.

Adapting to the league

The 36 years old centre-back on Tuesday, brushed off concerns that he would struggle to come to live up to the English top-flight speed. The defender joined Frank Lampard’s side from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last month.

Silva believes he will play a big role in helping Chelsea’s young squad reach peak performance. This he asserts is prominent after the team’s expensive rebuild.

The former AC Milan player is expected to make his debut in Chelsea’s League Cup match against Barnsley on Wednesday.

He said although the Premier League had not previously held great appeal for him, he is willing to put his back to notable duty. More about the story here.

Lampard’s side finished 33 points behind champions Liverpool  ast season. Liverpool also beat Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last Sunday to underscore the gap between the teams.

With all his experience in football career and everything he has won,he said it is paramount to show to the younger players that just playing matches is not enough. The Brazilian international said he could help instil a winning mindset at the club

Silva feels that Chelsea needs preparation to be as ready and in the best state possible. He said they need to see how important it is to win things.

Also Read

Thiago says its people who are successful winners that are remembered. Moreover, he gave an example of Manager Frank Lampard, hailing him as having accomplished so much.

Thiago says its people who are successful winners that are remembered. Moreover, he gave an example of Manager Frank Lampard, hailing him as having accomplished so much.
Frank Lampard as Chelsea coach

Sealing the defence

Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is set to become the seventh senior Chelsea signing in a hectic summer. The oddity is especially notable due to the Corona virus pandemic that has thrown the sporting world into unchartered waters. More more articles mentioning Corona virus here.

Editor's Pick/Europe/Main Stories/Primera División
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Messi bids farewell to Suarez

by marina
Messi coined an emotional message to his six-year-long teammate Luis Suarez. Recently, Luis Suarez officially joined Atletico Madrid from Barcelona. In his Instagram post, he expressed how much he would miss his friend Luis Suarez.

“Adios, mate!”

Messi coined an emotional farewell message to his six-year-long teammate Luis Suarez. Recently, Luis Suarez officially joined Atletico Madrid from Barcelona. In his Instagram post, he expressed how much he would miss his friend Luis Suarez.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFjb7KrCMBg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Moreover, he expresses his disbelief that he will have to play against Suarez, that is vs Atletico Madrid. It is not always that players leave a team to join their rivals. However, Griezmann did the same, so did Robin Van Persie. On the other hand, we have some loyal club players who have stuck by their team throughout a good part of their careers. Totti comes to mind.

Luis Suarez and Messi have, in the past, severally went out on vacations together. Such interactions signify the bond between the two families. These players have spent time together, not just on the pitch but outside the Nou Camp. As a result, Messi, in his farewell message to Suarez, he expressed how much he would miss Suarez’s family and also the moments they shared. Indeed, strong bonds!

Suarez and Messi families chilling. Photo Credits: Lionel Messi
Photo Credits: Lionel Messi

Moreover, Suarez, in a presser, said that he would miss his friends. They made him happy. About Messi, he expressed a lot of admiration and respect for him. Both for his prowess in the field and their interactions outside the pitch. Moreover, he said that since he was not in the coach’s plans, he decided to leave the club. Furthermore, he rebuked the management for, in a way, not respecting his choice to leave. His transfer to Atletico was not that smooth.

During his run in Barcelona, Luis Suarez made 283 appearances for Barcelona. He scored 198 goals and made 109 assists.

Also Read

Messi bids farewell to Luiz Suarez, as the Uruguayan joins Atletico Madrid officially.
Luis Suarez and teammates posing with trophies they have won together. Photo Credits: Lionel Messi

Trophies

  • La Liga titles – 4
  • Copa del Rey – 4
  • Champions League – 1
  • Club World Cup – 1
  • UEFA Super Cup – 1
  • Spanish Super Cup – 2

Personal Awards

  • Golden Boot – 1
  • Pichichi – 1
  • Club World Cup Golden Ball – 1
  • 3rd highest club goalscorer

From the stats, he has undoubtedly had a good run. Indeed, if Messi’s farewell message to Suarez is anything to go by, the Argentine will miss his fellow South American. “Adios, mate!”

Messi coined an emotional message to his six

England/Europe/Main Stories
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Kai Havertz scores hat-trick vs Barnsley

by marina
Kai Havertz, one of the latest Chelsea’s signings, scored a hat trick playing against Barnsley in Carabao Cup

Kai Havertz, one of the latest Chelsea’s signings, scored a hat-trick playing vs Barnsley in Carabao Cup. Chelsea won the match. The Blues thrashed Barnsley six goals. Moreover, they kept a clean sheet with Thiago Silva, making his debut in the blue shirt.

From left, Tammy Abraham, Kai Havertz and Hudson-Odoi celebrating a goal vs Barnsley. Kai Havertz scored a hat-trick
From left, Tammy Abraham, Kai Havertz and Hudson-Odoi celebrating a goal vs Barnsley. Photo Credits Kai-Havertz

Tammy Abraham opened the scoring sheets following a poor back pass to one of Barnsley’s defender. Mount threaded the ball past Barnsley defense, setting up Havertz’s first goal for Chelsea. Overall, poor defensive decisions by Barnsley defenders, coupled with the prowess of the Chelsea forwards, ensured four more goals were scored. Barkley, Giroud, and Tammy Abraham each scored one goal. The man of the match, Kai Havertz, scored a hat-trick, his first, vs Barnsley.

The man of the match, Kai Havertz, scored a hat-trick past Barnsley.
Havertz is awarded the match ball vs Barnsley. Photo Credits Kai-Havertz

Ridiculed

This hat-trick against Barnsley is Kai Havertz’s first in his senior career. This match was his 153rd appearance in competitive football. The 21-year-old has been at the center of a lot of ridicule in social football circles because of his previous performances in a Chelsea shirt. He has failed to score or assist in last matches. Furthermore, zero chances created. However, he is a young and rising talent and will take some time to adapt Premier League football.

Also Read

Out of Position?

Frank Lampard fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation in this match, with Tammy Abraham playing upfront. Hudson-Odoi played in the Right Midfielder position, whereas Mount played on the Left Midfielder position. On the other hand, the German youngster played as the CAM. It seems he has played out of position in past matches, based on his performance in this match.

Kai Havertz during a past match vs Brighton
Kai Havertz during a past match vs Brighton. Photo Credits Kai-Havertz

In his first Premier League match versus Brighton, he had a deeper role in midfield. Lampard fielded a 4-2-2-2 formation in this match. Against Liverpool, he was fielded as a false 9. Chelsea played a 4-3-3 formation in this match. Afterward, he was subbed after Christensen earned himself a red card. After conceding two goals against Liverpool in the second half, Lampard shifted to a 4-4-2 formation. If the goal was to prevent more goals, the change in formation worked.

Some tweeps deemed the move to pick Kai Havertz was to boost his confidence. He will probably feature this Saturday in their away match to West Bromwich Albion. Havertz’ hat-trick has definitely created expectation among Chelsea fans. Will he replicate his good run Bundesliga here?

England
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Marcus Rashford, a social activist.

by Lawrence Juma

Marcus Rashford has developed into quite a social activist. The twenty-two-year-old Manchester United forward has shown great maturity for his age. Rashford debuted for the red devils on 26 February 2016 in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, second leg tie against FC Midtjylland. He scored two goals in the game, becoming Manchester United’s youngest goalscorer in European competition. Four years later into his senior professional career, Marcus Rashford is making headlines for his efforts as a social activist.

Marcus Rashford in action on his debut against FC Midtjylland. Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff.
Marcus Rashford in action on his debut against FC Midtjylland. Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff.

Marcus Rashford’s contributions as a social activist.

As a result of Rashford’s open letter addressing the need for giving free food vouchers to the poorest British families over the summer, the government changed its stance on the issue.

As a black man from a low-income family in Wythenshawe, Manchester, I could have been just another statistic. Instead, due to the selfless actions of my mum, my family, my neighbors, and my coaches, the only stats I’m associated with are goals, appearances, and caps.

Marcus Rashford.

I would be doing myself, my family, and my community an injustice if I didn’t stand here today with my voice and my platform and ask you for help. The Government has taken a ‘whatever it takes’ approach to the economy. I’m asking you today to extend that same thinking to protecting all vulnerable children across England.  I encourage you to hear their pleas and find your humanity.

Marcus Rashford.

Read our main stories and latest posts.

Rashford gets recognition for his efforts.

The PFA awarded Marcus Rashford the PFA Merit Award as a result of his charitable work during the COVID-19 pandemic and his work to fight child poverty.

Marcus Rashford with his PFA Merit Award. Image: PFA via Twitter.
Marcus Rashford with his PFA Merit Award. Image: PFA via Twitter.

Rashford also graced the cover of the September 2020 issue of British Vogue Magazine with Adwoa Aboah.

Marcus Rashford on the cover of the September 2020 issue of the British Vogue. Image: British Vogue/Missan Harriman.
Marcus Rashford on the cover of the September 2020 issue of the British Vogue. Image: British Vogue/Missan Harriman.
International
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FIFA World Rankings update.

by Lawrence Juma
FIFA World Rankings Top 10.

FIFA World rankings update have been released. The worldwide football governing body unveiled the latest standings after international matches resumed. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the football calendar for more than six months.

Top three of the FIFA World Rankings unchanged after the update.

The top three spots in the rankings remain unchanged. The Belgium National Football Team still lead the table after wins against Denmark and Iceland in the UEFA Nations League. Victory against Sweden and Croatia also guarantees that Didier Deschamps’ Les Blues are still second place after the latest FIFA World Rankings update. Brazil closes the top 3 despite not playing a game since November 2019.

Belgium celebrating their win against denmark in the UEFA Nations League. Image: Getty Images
Belgium celebrating their win against denmark in the UEFA Nations League. Image: Getty Images

Teams that moved up after the FIFA world rankings update.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the Seleção rank 5th, moving up two places after defeating Croatia and Sweden. Spain moves one spot into 7th place following a stalemate with Germany and a win against Ukraine. The Azzurri, the Netherlands National Football Team, and Die Mannschaft also move one spot and are ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th. Wales narrowly misses the top 20, moving up two positions into 21st.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the Seleção, the UEFA Nations League defending champions. Image: Getty Images.
Cristiano Ronaldo and the Seleção, the UEFA Nations League defending champions. Image: Getty Images.

Russia is the biggest gainer after the latest rankings. They ascend by six places after wins over Serbia and Hungary.

Iran climbs three places into 30th position despite not playing because Serbia and Turkey dropped points. Nigeria also moves up two posts into 29th without being involved in any games.

29th placed Nigeria National Football team. Image: Getty Images
29th placed Nigeria National Football team. Image: Getty Images

Drops in the rankings.

Croatia drops two ranks into 8th after losing to Portugal and France. Sweden moves down a position into 18th due to losses to France and Portugal.

Slovakia and Estonia dropped the most in the standings, moving down by four ranks into 36th and 93rd places.

Newly Ranked and non-ranked teams.

No new team makes it into the FIFA world rankings after the September update. The Cook Islands are inactive/unranked.

Read the latest from Dunda Football and our main stories.

Editor's Pick/England/Main Stories/Nakala/Premier League
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How foreign players adapt. The Premier League edition.

by Lawrence Juma
Bruno Fernandes.

The subject of how foreign players adapt to the premier league is back again. The renewed discussion on the issue is as a result of newly signed players being in the spotlight as they begin playing for their new clubs. Carlo Ancelotti has weighed in on the subject after Everton’s 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur. According to Ancelotti, the Colombian playmaker will face no issues adapting to English football. Furthermore, he believes that adapting to the Premier League is an exaggerated concept. “He has no problem to adapt to the Premier League because we are not playing a different sport,” Ancelotti explained. “It’s football, the pitch is the same everywhere,” added the manager. “But he has to adapt to his new team-mates and know their movements and his team-mates have to adapt to know his quality better,” He concluded.

James Rodriguez and Carlo Ancelotti on the sidelines against Tottenham. Image: Getty Images
James Rodriguez and Carlo Ancelotti on the sidelines against Tottenham. Image: Getty Images

Players and managers weigh in on how foreign players adapt.

Carlo Ancelotti is not the first to share his opinions about the issue. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had a different view. He admitted to finding it hard to get Manchester City to play his way as a result of the physical approach of their opponents. “In Germany, it was more physical, but not like here. Here it is all the teams, except maybe Chelsea because Antonio Conte is playing well and having them build-up, but the other teams are taller, stronger, physical, and you have to adapt and build from that,” Guardiola said.

Fernandhinho getting assessed by Pep Guardiola. Image: Getty Images
Fernandhinho getting assessed by Pep Guardiola. Image: Getty Images

Gonzalo Higuain also admitted to struggling to adapt to the Premier League. He shared his concerns with the then Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri. “He said to me that it’s difficult because the physical impact of the defenders here is strong,” said Sarri. Arsenal’s goalkeeper Bernard Leno, their midfielder Mesut Ozil and Liverpool’s Midfielder Fabinho have also shared similar opinions.

Gonzalo Higuain is challenged by Erik Lamela during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. Image: Getty Images
Gonzalo Higuain is challenged by Erik Lamela during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. Image: Getty Images

The Consensus.

It appears that Carlo Ancelotti is alone in his sentiments that foreign players adaption to the premier league and its physicality after joining their new clubs is an exaggeration. However, many instances back his claim. Players such as Bruno Fernandes, Alexis Sanchez, Diego Costa, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and others have hit the ground running after joining the Premier League.

Bruno Fenandes with his June POTM award. Image: Getty Images
Bruno Fenandes with his June POTM award. Image: Getty Images.
England/Main Stories
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Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti. Here is what to expect from his Everton rebuild.

by Lawrence Juma
Everton Manager Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti is sacked by Napoli.

On 10 December 2019, Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti. A four-nil home victory against Genk in Napoli’s final group stage match of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League season that ensured the club advanced to the round of 16 was not enough to save his job.

Former Napoli Manager Carlo Ancelotti. Image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Former Napoli Manager Carlo Ancelotti. Image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

11 days later, 21st December 2019, Ancelotti had secured a new job. Everton FC appointed him as their new manager on a four and a half year deal. In his first match, Everton won 1-0 against Burnley.

Carlo Ancelotti celebrating Everton's win against Burnley. Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images
Carlo Ancelotti celebrating Everton’s win against Burnley. Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images

Carlo Ancelotti being sacked by Napoli a welcome news for Everton.

Barely two months after his appointment, a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on 8th February 2020 meant only league leaders Liverpool had earned more points than Everton since the Toffees had picked up 17 points over that period. By the end of the season, they had won 30 points from 20 matches. As a result, they finished 12th on the Premier League table. Ancelotti averaged 1.58 points-per-game in that run. What does this mean? This means Everton would have picked up 60 points and finished 7th on the table if Ancelotti had led them across the entire season and maintained the points-per-game ratio. Just if!

The change in Everton’s fortunes traces to the switch to Ancelotti’s preferred 4-4-2 formation when off the ball. This formation transitions into a fluid 4-3-3 when they get control of the ball. Playing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison together upfront brought the best out of them. Great man-management I would say. The pair did not play together upfront before Napoli sacked Carlo Ancelotti. However, there were issues with his midfield options. Andre Gomes, Gylfi Sigurdsson, and Tom Davies were not athletic enough and lacked the intensity to keep pace with teams that deployed a three-person midfield. The toffees ranked 13th in the Premier League for passes into the final third in the 2019/20 season.

Everton striking duo Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Image: Getty Images
Everton striking duo Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Image: Getty Images

Present.

Ancelotti has overseen a revamp of Everton’s midfield in the 2020 summer transfer window. They have signed a midfield trio of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid. The Colombian international was signed for a fee reported to be £12m. Moreover, they signed Allan from Napoli for £21m, and Doucoure from Watford for £25m.

Allan brings to the team excellent ball-winning capabilities. He averaged 3.51 tackles and 1.12 interceptions per 90 minutes for Napoli in the Serie A in the 2019/20 season. Doucoure is a box-to-box midfielder. He can dribble, win the ball and create chances. He created 38 chances for Watford last season. Only Gerard Deulofeu created more (44).

Carlo Ancelotti summer signing from Napoli Allan in action against Tottenham. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Allan in action against Tottenham. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelloti summer signing from Watford Doucoure in action against Tottenham. Image: Getty Images
Doucoure in action against Tottenham. Image: Getty Images

James Rodriguez is the final piece of the midfield puzzle. His most likely deployment area is behind the upfront striker pairing of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Alternatively, a 4-2-3-1 formation could be used. Richarlison plays on the wing. Rodriguez plays in the middle and one of Bernard, Theo Walcott, or Iwobi on the opposite flank. In this case, Calvert-Lewin plays up front. Moreover, Allan and Doucoure would play behind Rodriguez in this scenario.

James Rodriguez in action against Tottenham. Image: Getty Images
James Rodriguez in action against Tottenham. Image: Getty Images

See Also.

Match Day 1.

Carlo Ancelloti opted for a 4-3-3 formation against Tottenham. Dominic Calvert-Lewin played up front. Richarlison was deployed on the left flank and James Rodriguez on the right. The midfield trio was Allan in the centre with Andre Gomes and Doucoure on either side.

Carlo Ancelotti's Everton starting Line-up against Tottenham on Matchday 1. Credit: Everton Twitter
Everton Line-up against Tottenham on Matchday 1. Credit: Everton Twitter

Allan and Doucoure had the expected impacts on the game, as shown by the match statistics.

Allan vs Tottenham by the numbers. Credit: Everton Twitter
Allan vs Tottenham by the numbers. Credit: Everton Twitter
Doucoure vs Tottenham by the numbers. Credit: Everton Twitter
Doucoure vs Tottenham by the numbers. Credit: Everton Twitter

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