‘It doesn’t suit him’: Redknapp urges Ancelotti not to play Everton man out wide

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Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports, during their live coverage of Everton’s match against Fleetwood Town, that Bernard looked so much better centrally last night.

Bernard was brought to Everton in 2018, but he hasn’t quite been able to nail down a starting place yet.

The Brazilian was often used off the flank last season, but generally seemed to be on the periphery of games.

Bernard has scored just four goals in 61 Premier League appearances, which simply isn’t good enough for someone who is given such an attacking role.

But Redknapp feels that Carlo Ancelotti has now seen how to get the best of Bernard.

The 28-year-old was given a central playmaking role for Everton last night, and his display impressed Redknapp.

“There’s so much quality, I’m really enjoying the way they play,” he said.

“Bernard in central midfield today looked like the player they all hoped they would sign.

“It doesn’t suit him playing wide, play him in a central position.”

If Bernard does want a central midfield role at Everton then his route into the first-team has just been made much tougher.

Everton have brought in both Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure to bolster their options in the centre of the pitch.

Bernard could provide a more attacking option that Doucoure, Allan or Andre Gomes though, and if he keeps performing to the level he showed last night he could turn out to be a very useful player for Ancelotti over the course of the campaign.