Scout Reports

Can new Everton signing Allan improve the Toffees’ FPL clean sheet prospects?

Everton completed the signing of Allan (£5.5m) from Napoli a week before the start of the 2020/21 campaign, with the Brazilian putting pen to paper on a three-year deal.

The central midfielder will be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti, who coached him for 18 months in Serie A.

While the subsequent capture of James Rodriguez (£7.5m) has perhaps overshadowed it, Allan’s move to Merseyside is still worthy of note from a Fantasy perspective.

The 29-year-old Brazil international likely won’t attract much interest in Fantasy Premier League himself, it should be said: a total of 12 league goals in a career spanning more than a decade is a strong indicator on that front.

The ex-Napoli man only once registered more than five assists in a single season in his eight-year stay in Serie A, meanwhile.

But it’s his potential impact on other Fantasy assets from Everton that we’ll be examining here, a topic that is perhaps even more pertinent given that Ancelotti’s troops sit near the top of our Season Ticker until December: the Toffees face all three newly promoted clubs and five teams who finished tenth or below in the Premier League last season in the first 11 Gameweeks of the new campaign.

PLAYING STYLE

A combative, all-action central midfielder, Allan was a much-needed capture for Everton given their woes in the middle of the park in 2019/20.

The sale of Idrissa Gueye and long-term absence of Jean-Philippe Gbamin (£5.0m) left the Toffees desperately short of defensive shields last season and Ancelotti’s persistence with a 4-4-2 only added to the problems, with Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.0m), Andre Gomes (£5.5m) and Tom Davies (£5.5m) all failing to convince when they were used in a two-man central midfield.

The immobile Sigurdsson especially isn’t suited to such a deep role in the middle of the park, while it’s no coincidence that Gomes’ form suffered without a Gueye-type anchor alongside him.

It soon became blindingly obvious that reinforcements would be needed in the engine room, especially if Ancelotti was to continue with his preferred formation.

He may not be exactly the same type of player as Gueye but Allan nevertheless fits the bill, with the player himself describing his playing style upon signing for the Toffees:

A strong part of my game is marking and the desire to go in to win absolutely every ball.

That is definitely a differential in my game and I believe with my desire I can put in really good performances to win over the fans.

I’ve been very competitive since I was a child; always wanted to win.

Everything we do in midfield and defence – winning a 50/50, winning a tackle or a one-on-one, clearing the ball – a lot of the time it’s like scoring a goal.

In the game, sometimes these things are very important.

At times it all seems so natural but a tackle, winning a one-on-one, clearing a ball; if it’s quite a tight game, we celebrate as if it’s a goal.

That’s about dedication and giving everything on the pitch.

Ancelotti said of his new recruit, meanwhile:

I think Allan is a fantastic player, he has fantastic energy and quality in midfield. I know him very well and he knows me.

Our supporters will love him because he plays with a lot of passion. He is a fantastic signing for us.

Tactically he is really good. Really strong defensively, he wins a lot of balls. He is aggressive and he is Brazilian, so he is able to do both – [contribute] with the ball and without the ball.

For sure, with Allan we are going to improve.

THE HISTORY

Born in Rio de Janeiro in January 1991, Allan’s senior career began in earnest with Vasco de Gama in his homeland.

After making 51 league appearances (without scoring) for the Brazilian outfit, Allan made the move to Udinese in July 2012.

Swiftly becoming a regular in Francisco Guidolin’s overachieving side, Allan spent three seasons with Il Bianconeri – helping them to a fifth-place finish in the first of them – before Napoli won the hotly contested race for his signature in July 2015.

His first three years in Naples were spent under Maurizio Sarri, with Allan very rarely used at the base of the midfield.

Rather, he was more commonly operating in the sort of role we saw N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) in during Sarri’s season-long stay at Stamford Bridge, playing to the side of a ball-playing ‘regista’ – namely Jorginho (£5.0m) – in a 4-3-3.

His attacking returns rose modestly as a result but, following Ancelotti’s appointment as Sarri’s successor in July 2018, the Brazilian was tasked with a more disciplined role in the central midfield two of a 4-4-2 – a system he may again be operating in on Merseyside.

Allan arrives in England off the back of his worst season in years.

A stop-start campaign that was littered with fitness issues ended badly, with Ancelotti sacked in December 2019, Allan falling out with new coach Gennaro Gattuso and losing his place, and Napoli slumping to their worst finish (seventh) in over a decade.

Allan in Serie A
SeasonStartsSub AppsGoalsAssists
2012/1333305
2013/1430303
2014/1533215
2015/1632335
2016/17191016
2017/1832645
2018/1928513
2019/2016721

Source: whoscored.com


Belatedly making his international debut in November 2018, Allan has been capped nine times by Brazil at the time of writing.

ALLAN V OTHER EVERTON MIDFIELDERS

Allan in Serie A
SeasonTackles won per 90 minsInterceptions per 90 minsClearances per 90 mins
2015/163.51.20.4
2016/173.91.40.8
2017/183.40.90.4
2018/193.61.30.9
2019/203.51.10.7

Source: whoscored.com




BEST PLAYERS BY POSITION:

1,314 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Any news on Soucek?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      hope for the press

    2. Doctor Evil
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was about to ask this too

  2. FredrikH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Interesting article. Anyway. This look fine or any obvious flaws?

    Johnstone Button
    TAA Egan Kwp Lascelles Mitchell
    Mane Auba Son Zaha Stevens
    Werner Mitro Adams

    Also. Confirmed or just very likely that Vinagre doesnt start?

    1. Sid123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like the zaha pick.

      Need a press conference for vinagre really to confirm either way.

  3. Cert
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What’s happening with Vinagre?

    1. Steager
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I usually put it on my chips with salt mate.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        gone to porto

  4. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a) Jimmy & DCL
    b) Werner & Mitrovic

    1. Cert
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner and mitro

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  5. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Super tempted by Wilson at that price

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      me too

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Straight in mine when I saw it. Double up with ASM. Super value.

    3. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was until I realised DCL is only 0.5 more with much creative players behind him

      1. Whiskerz
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Couldn't finish his dinner though

        1. Bambi
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          doesnt matter if said dinner is 5x the size of the other competitions plates

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thinking him rather than Mitro?

  6. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi. Thoughts on this squad please? 0.5mitb.

    Plan is salah to bruno gw2. Or salah and dcl to bruno and martial - 4

    Thanks

    Mccarthy 4m
    Taa saiss davies Taylor Mitchell
    Salah auba havertz asm bissouma
    Werner dcl adams

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nice

      McCarthy
      Trent Doherty Tierney (Taylor Mitchell)
      Salah Aubameyang St Max Havertz (Bissouma)
      Mitrovic Werner Adams

      Very similar!!

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers.

        I can't decide on alli v havertz. Feel like I will want kai longer term so although first 2 fixtures not as good have him at moment

        Happy to keep dcl or move to martial for the hit - if I move quick....

        1. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Keep Havertz

          1. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Yup

  7. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Everton beefing up the squad?

    1. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Much needed too

  8. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Mitchell start do you think?

  9. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Apparently 4.0 Buur might be right wing back...?

    1. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      shush

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Do people not want others to find out or something? Like surely it's inevitable that people will realise?

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bargain!

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Was looking into this for about an hour earlier! It’s by no means certain - there’s been a few midfield signings and we know Traore could play there.

    4. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      this is starting to pick up speed now

    5. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thats Lord Buur please get it right

  10. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Well, what do you think guys about this bunch:

    Meslier (Nyland)
    TAA / Robbo / KWP / Justin (Mitchell)
    Mane / Auba / ASM / Son (Bissouma)
    DCL / Werner (Davis)

  11. davewg59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Why are so few people going for Richarlison?

    1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      DCL cheaper.

    2. Firmino
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      DCL is better value.

    3. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      very awkward price point

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep this and a striker now so no for me

  12. Dr. Rog
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Most owned players

    Pope (21%) / Ryan (21%)
    TAA (54%), Doherty (26%), VVD (25%), Egan (17%), Vinager (16%)
    Auba (43%), KdB (32%), Salah (30%), Son (29%), Bruno (23%)
    Werner (47), Mitro (27%), Ings (25%)

    1. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks for the info. Nice to know

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Bruno at 23 already!! FFS

  13. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    For some reason I think Ward-Prowse could have his breakthrough season this season. But I’ve had that feeling the last 5 seasons. Already got Ings and maybe KWP.

    Anyone thinking of Ward-Prowse at £6m?

    1. Saint & Reevesy
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I’m tempted, but as a saints fan I hear you.

    2. Beatle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Have him. His XG & XA are very promising

    3. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He and Redmond bandwagons on here's like clockwork every season

    4. Goodfeathers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      In

    5. SwissWavey
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was. Gone with Armstrong instead, for now. Got Ings and Mccarthy too.
      I'd happily have KWP on top and might consider Adams.
      Would 5 be too many?

      Got high hopes for Soton this year!

  14. Gaffa914
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A) Saka and Adams
    B) Armstrong and Mitro

  15. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Buur or Mitchell?

    1. Hiroku
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm strongly considering Buur at the moment. Heard his contract was extended recently and there's no hint of Wolves looking for a new RWB despite the sale of Doherty, so it would seem Nuno has plans for him.

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Good to know. Do you reckon once Adama is back he'll play RW or RWB? Then if no signing is made, Buur could make the RWB spot his own?

        1. Hiroku
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I honestly have no idea. I think Nuno prefers Adama further up the field, but they have enough forward options now that I could see it going either way.
          That said Traore missed most of pre-season with self-isolation so he might miss GW1, which pretty much guarantees Buur in that position.

          1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Agreed, seems rather illogical well to start one of your best players at RWB

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Neither.

  16. TwiggsJameson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Buur anyone

    1. Blueberg
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah its a bit chilly aint it.

  17. keefy59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Off topic a bit but after 2 poor performances by England & a World Cup where in my opinion Southgate & the team rode their luck a bit & we all got carried away thinking how good we were I believe it's time to replace Southgate so who do we want ?
    My suggestion would be Wenger I believe the FA have considered him in the past when he wasn't available
    Please post your comments

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lol go to bed lad. I wasn’t a fan of Southgate at the start but he’s done a great job so far. We’ve finally got exciting players that are gelling, it’s pretty hard going to Scandinavia with empty stadiums and get good results.

      Wenger is as good as retired also. Southgate deserves more tournaments.

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Never liked Southgate find it so negative, not even watched a minute tonight, no interest

  18. Purse83
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Team virtually finished however keep changing the following:

    1) Werner & Egan/Davies (have Doc) or DCL & Robbo

    and

    2) ASM & Davis (bench) or C.Wilson & Bissouma (bench)

    Thoughts appreciated.

  19. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Wilson's 14 goals was only across 30 games in 18-19

  20. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best Everton defender? Digne too pricey.

    1. pit creature
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Keane

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ty

        Any reason why he's better than Coleman?

        1. pit creature
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          More nailed on and probably a bigger goal threat now. Everton are being linked with RBs too.

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Excellent info thanks

  21. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Excellent podcast with Zophar and Lateriser, really interesting. Agree with Lateriser's sentiments that Salah's superiority over Mane is overdone

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Just saw this but no mention of Tierney by any of them which I was slightly surprised by??

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He's stuck at LCB and Arsenal's stats aren't as good as it first appears.

        Interesting mentions of Saiss and Ivanovic with regards to Doherty

  22. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will J Rod start gw 1?

    1. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      ?

      1. TwiggsJameson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        No. Burnley don't have a game

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      James Rodriguez

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Not unless he has played preseason anywhere

  23. Saint & Reevesy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Anybody thinking of going with mane over salah?

    1. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      me

  24. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Telles transfer updates?

  25. Jones Town
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So what are people's plans for getting United assets GW2?

    A) Keeping money ITB and just getting 1 player with a FT
    B) Taking a -4 so no need for money ITB and potentially getting 2 players
    C) Other?

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Possibly salah to bruno.

      If u do that ill have cash for dcl to martial - 4 if u want

    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C) I'm not getting any*

      *unless Southampton score at least 3 goals in week 1.

  26. One Man
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Bold prediction, but if Rashford stays fit he could outscore Auba this season. Stats of point per minute are actually better that Auba last term.

    1. TwiggsJameson
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      This

    2. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Reckon if anyone Man U player has a chance of outscoring Auba this season, then it's Martial.

    3. Kasper the ghost keeper
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Didn't just 11 of his goals last season come from open play? Without penalties I'd be surprised

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This

      2. SwissWavey
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        And didn't he miss 2 penalties anyway?

    4. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looool silly prediction. Rashford has had penalties taken from him and he fluffs 5 shots a game. He will never reach Auba’s level

  27. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    A. Wilson + J Rod

    Or

    B. Richarlison + ASM

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B for me just

      Just been looking at Wilson as a finisher - really not great. He needs loads of chances. ASM bothers me though. He's hardly a model of consistency for returns.

  28. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Mane surely has to be a good differential for Salah. So many going with a Salah even though he only scored 12 more points last season

    1. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Really happy with Sadio. I don't think that slot will be set and forget so there's scope for Mo later on

    2. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling over KdB even more so.
      Too many folk playing last seasons game

      1. Old Bull
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Had Aubameyang been classified as a midfielder last season he would have just out scored Salah, although Salah had less pitch time.

  29. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    who is the best wolves defender to start with up to 5m?

    A....vinagre

    B...saiss

    C....coady

    Thanks

    1. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saiss. Goal threat, cheaper and up there with Boly on the BPS

    2. Beatle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Would say Saiss but unclear what the Wolves defence would look like this season - half a chance he isn't nailed?

    4. L S P
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      None - assess during GW 1/2

  30. jam sandwich
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    I like to do things a bit differently, RMT:

    McCarthy - Nyland
    TAA - Davies - KWP - Taylor - Mitchell
    Auba - Salah - Havertz - ASM - Bissouma
    Kane - DCL - Adams