Carlo Ancelotti said his Everton players were ‘worried’ about the prospect of Morgan Gibbs-White running the show from a number ten role during their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, while speaking to the club’s official website.
With Nuno Espirito Santo looking to introduce some much-needed spark in the final third, a Wolves side who have flattered to deceive throughout the 2020/21 are trying something slightly different during the final few weeks of the season.
Academy graduate Gibbs-White has started each of the last three league games now, with Nuno adapting his game plan to make room for an intelligent, intuitive number ten.
A technically gifted attacking midfielder who thrives in the half-spaces, ‘MGW’ scored his first top-flight goal in the recent 2-1 victory over Brighton.
Heading into Wednesday’s clash at Goodison Park, the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan had a few concerns about the presence of a player who thrives when drifting into pockets and unsettling the opposition with his subtle movement and clever footwork.
“They played with a number 10 and our midfielders were a little bit worried about that position (in the first half),” said Ancelotti.
“We tried to adjust something at half-time.”
Gibbs-White decorated rather than dominated proceedings at Goodison Park – with Richarlison’s glorious header proving to be the difference – but the former Swansea City loanee continues to offer tantalising glimpses of his Premier League potential.
If the 21-year-old can add a more ruthless, decisive streak to his game, a player with a rather unique skillset in Wolves’ squad could become a big part of Nuno’s plans in the near future.
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