Former Everton defender Kevin Ratcliffe has criticised the use of three centre-backs and against Bournemouth is that too defensive in any case?
Ronald Koeman, manager of Everton, looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match against Sunderland.
Former Everton defender Kevin Ratcliffe has criticised manager Ronald Koeman’s extensive use of a three-man central defence so far this season.
Whether it is with two upfront or a three-man attack, Ratcliffe – who spent 12 years at the back for the Toffees between 1980 and 1992 – doesn’t believe using wing-backs suits the squad.
Everton defenders Cuco Martina and Michael Keane (R) celebrate their win on the pitch after the UEFA Europa League playoff round.
“Of all the things I’m hoping for this weekend, one of the big ones is that we do NOT see the three-man defence at Goodison Park,” the 56-year-old wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.
“Put simply, Everton do not have the players to play it at the moment. The three centre-backs that they have are not comfortable enough on the ball, and that is glaringly obvious. The balance is just not right.”
Everton’s Leighton Baines (R) vies with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko (L) during the English Premier League football match.
Ratcliffe may have a point, but even if the Merseysiders had not lost three consecutive matches in the Premier League, would the formation be too defensive at home to Bournemouth on Saturday (September 23) in any case?
With Burnley at Goodison Park and then newly promoted Brighton and Hove Albion away the next two fixtures after the game with the Cherries, this is the perfect opportunity to right the wrongs of four points from five outings so far this season.
Yet is having Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane and Ashley Williams at the back a little too cautious? Especially as Mason Holgate, Cuco Martina and Leighton Baines have hardly excelled with the extra freedom given to them by playing at wing-back. It just doesn’t seem like the trio are comfortable there.
Dropping one of the centre-backs could afford Koeman one more man in attack too, perhaps one with pace such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Ademola Lookman with their forward play having been criticised recently for being slow and predictable.
With Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin acting as a midfield shield, Baines and whoever is playing at right-back can still be offensive when in possession and with that extra outlet maybe they can start to impose themselves on games once more.
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