After months of speculation, Everton finally announced the signing of Allan from Napoli for £21.7m on Saturday (BBC).
The Brazilian was one of Carlo Ancelotti’s priority targets ahead of the new season. Allan knows the Italian very well, having played 61 times under him during their time together at Napoli.
The Everton boss knows Allan’s strengths better than most. Ancelotti was asked about his new signing and his comments should excite Toffees supporters ahead of the new season.
Ancelotti was quoted by Goal saying: “He is a player who will show a lot of energy on the pitch. He is very good tactically, good with the ball and good without the ball. He is going to put strength in midfield. This is his best quality.
“For this reason, all the players we have with quality are going to improve for being with him. He is not just a player for himself. He is a player whose energy can make others better. He’s very aggressive. Defensively, he is really good.
“My personal opinion is that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He is intelligent tactically and he has got a lot of energy. One against one, he is really strong.”
Everton have finally replaced Idrissa Gueye
Everton have missed a quality player in defensive midfield ever since Idrissa Gueye left for PSG. The Toffees have struggled in that position and it is no surprise that Ancelotti made it a priority in this summer’s transfer window.
Allan will make Everton a very difficult side to beat. The Brazilian will not be the only new midfielder at Goodison Park, as the Toffees are reportedly close to sealing deals for two more quality players.
James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure are expected to complete their moves to Everton very soon and the Toffees will have a brand new midfield for the new season.
The trio might take a bit of time to settle, but they are massive upgrades to what Ancelotti had at his disposal last term.
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