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The transfer of James Rodríguez could change Carlo Ancelotti’s current tactical outlook at Everton.
Ancelotti used a flexible 4-4-2 system after his midseason appointment last season that sought to emphasize the attacking threat of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
But the Everton manager has previously worked with Rodríguez at Real Madrid where they enjoyed a positive relationship.
That is believed to have played a prominent role in the Colombian superstar’s possible reinstatement to Ancelotti and statistics show the combination may flourish again.
Rodriguez would go on to become one of the main creators in Everton’s midfield and ranks well across the board compared to other attacking and wingers midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.
The 29-year-old proved to be a frequent creator with 0.33 Expected assists (xA) and 3.97 Open game shot creation actions for 90 minutes.
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Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton is looking to get started and another crucial summer is underway at Goodison Park.
And the Everton manager is eager to meet Colombian superstar James Rodriguez.
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In addition, he recorded a large number of goals without penalty with 0.37 for 90 minutes as well as 2.47 goes to the penalty area.
What does this tell us? That Rodriguez will bring additional quality in attacking positions, exactly what Everton needs.
Alex Iwobi, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Theo Walcott, and others on the current team present a different kind of threat, but possibly much less so than James.
But where Ancelotti will use it becomes the next consideration.
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Playing in the wide attacking role in a 4-4-2 fashion would have a hard time getting the best out of Rodriguez in terms of his ability to make plays from the central attacking areas.
In the graph below, we see where he has traded in terms of receiving passes and making moves to regain possession.
Passes received from Rodríguez and movements made since 2018/19 (Image: Twenty3)
Rodríguez and his impressive statistical numbers are partly due to his playing a certain role.
That role is perhaps less applicable to a traditional 4-4-2 system than to 4-3-3 or other setups that allow for an advanced playmaker.
This presents a question for Ancelotti and his current system.
Perhaps the most obvious suggestion would be a form change that allows Rodriguez to be the link between Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.
The expected arrivals of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure would further strengthen the ability to immediately switch to 4-3-3 for the new season.
Working with Ancelotti once again, in a system that suits him, can allow Rodriguez to become the main man at Everton.
Data used in the Statsbomb article.
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