This season, Everton have started to bear the hallmarks of a Carlo Ancelotti side.
They sit top of the Premier League, having shone in the 4-3-3 system the Italian has opted for this season.
As well as that tactical switch, some shrewd recruitment has also helped bring about that improvement and Everton are seeing the impact of having a world-class manager at the helm.
In an exclusive interview with former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, we asked him if he feels the Italian is getting the credit he deserves for the job he’s done at Goodison Park.
“Probably not,” said Martyn when asked if Ancelotti was getting enough credit for the job he’s done so far.
“Last season, it wasn’t the greatest, if we’re being perfectly honest.
“This season, he’s had some money to spend, he’s spent it well.
“Doucoure looks a good player, Allan looks a good player. In that midfield, they look more secure.
“Then with the addition of Rodriguez… Ancelotti knows him really well. His start has been excellent.”
Ancelotti is a proven, world-class operator and it seems he is in the process of hauling Everton up to those standards.
He won’t be getting over-excited about being top of the Premier League – he’s been there before with Chelsea.
He’ll be keeping the players calm and making them believe they can continue their good start and ensure they’re in the battle for the top six – at the very least – in the months to come.
Martyn is right to highlight the recruitment during the summer too; it was as good as it’s been at Goodison Park for years, with quality targets identified and secured in good time.
That’s a strong combination, and perhaps it’s because we expect from a man with Ancelotti’s history and quality, it has gone under the radar a bit, and not garnered the credit it deserved.
READ: Nigel Martyn tells Everton News the Toffees should target a top six finish
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