By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
FPL360
  • FPL News
    • FPL Statistics
    • Injury News
  • Player Analysis
    • Top Players
    • Predicted Lineups
  • Fixture Analysis
  • FPL Tools
    • FPL Deadlines
    • FPL Rules
    • FPL Chips
    • FPL Scoring
    • What is FPL?
  • FPL360 Mobile
Reading: Benitez must balance attack and defence at Everton
FPL360FPL360
Aa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Price Changes
  • FPL Chips
  • FPL Transfers
  • FPL Rules
  • FPL Deadlines
  • Mobile
© FPL360.com. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Benitez must balance attack and defence at Everton
Uncategorized

Benitez must balance attack and defence at Everton

FPL360
Last updated: 2021/07/11 at 8:11 PM
FPL360 5 Min Read
Share


Contents
Rafael Benitez (EVE)Benitez’s first training sessionPickford’s top 2020/21 savesBenitez’s Newcastle side v EvertonBuilding around Calvert-LewinCalvert-Lewin’s hat-trick v West BromConsistent strategy
Rafael Benitez, Everton

Adrian Clarke looks at the favoured tactics of the managers who have taken charge of Premier League clubs this summer, and assesses how they can take their sides to the next level.

Rafael Benitez (EVE)

The key to success for Benitez at Goodison Park will be striking the right balance between attack and defence.

If the Spaniard can find a way to get the best out of his talented young forwards without sacrificing the solidity he demands, Everton should enjoy a successful campaign.

He will immediately look to improve Everton’s defensive structure.

Across a long and successful managerial career, the Spaniard has always tried to build teams that have a solid foundation down the spine of the pitch.  

At times last season, the Toffees struggled to find the right balance in these areas, so this will be the 61-year-old’s first port of call.

Benitez’s first training session

Under Carlo Ancelotti last season, Everton’s goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Robin Olsen were busy men.

The Toffees had ambitions of finishing in the top six but faced over 500 shots, a figure Benitez will seek to reduce.

Pickford’s top 2020/21 saves

When he was in charge of Newcastle United, who were generally in the bottom half of the table, the Spaniard’s pragmatic tactics limited the number of times opponents had attempts on goal.

In fact, in both of his full seasons with Newcastle in the Premier League, the Magpies faced fewer shots than Everton did last season.

Benitez’s Newcastle side v Everton
ClubSeasonSavesPL rankShots facedPL rank
NEW2017/1810510th47810th
NEW2018/19956th4898th
EVE2020/2111413th50513th

With the players at his disposal, Benitez is likely to use a 4-2-3-1 system at Goodison Park.

Inside that framework he will focus on building strong partnerships in central midfield and at the heart of his defence.

Last season Everton lacked steel in the middle of the pitch, especially when Allan was out injured, and they never settled on a regular centre-back pairing.

Benitez will demand a high work ethic in and out of possession, from back to front.

It will be a real surprise if their shape and organisation is not disciplined.  

Building around Calvert-Lewin

While Benitez is not wedded to a particular formation, he tends to use a lone striker who acts as a fulcrum at the top of the pitch.

He is also not averse to playing direct football, encouraging long passes from back to front in order to gain territory.

During his two full seasons as a Premier League manager with Newcastle, 19.2 per cent of the Magpies’ passes were classified as long.

Over that period, only four teams averaged a higher share.

With all of this in mind, Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks tailor-made for Benitez.

Calvert-Lewin’s hat-trick v West Brom

The 24-year-old is outstanding in the air, with Christian Benteke the only centre-forward to win more aerial duels last season.

Calvert-Lewin’s pace will also give the Toffees a useful outlet on the break.

He has registered a top speed of 35.1km/hr, making him the second-fastest Everton player behind Ben Godfrey.

So Benitez may look to utilise that pace by instructing his players to clip passes down the channels and over the top of defenders.

Consistent strategy

Ancelotti used 10 different formations last season, with the most-used (4-3-3) being seen on only nine occasions.

In a bid to tighten up the rearguard, the Italian also experimented with a back four made up solely of centre-backs.

Under the meticulous Benitez, we are likely to see a more consistent strategy, with every outfield player being required to be diligent out of possession.

Tomorrow: Adrian Clarke on how Bruno Lage can improve Wolves



Source link

FPL360 July 8, 2021
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Gary Neville on ‘dream’ England night at Wembley and praise for Gareth Southgate | Football News
Next Article Paul Merson says: England reaching Euro 2020 final a ‘major feat’ and praise for ‘brave’ Gareth Southgate | Football News
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newcastle transfer rumours with Maddison 'update' and Kulusevski claim
Latest News
Biden praised the debt-ceiling deal in his State of the Nation address
Latest News
Leeds United 'keeping tabs' Luton Town boss Rob Edwards
Latest News
Declan Rice transfer preference revealed as Chelsea play hardball over Mount
Latest News
Chelsea ‘100%’ in the race for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo
Latest News
Conor Gallagher wants Chelsea stay over Newcastle United move
Latest News
Latest News
Who are the key men in Sheff Utd’s attack?
FPL News
FPL season review: Game-breaking Haaland, underrated Kane and bold predictions for next season
FPL News
FPL 2022-23: Best Fantasy Team for Gameweek 38
FPL News
Willie Lettis, 75, from Cork finished an incredible 720 out of 11,447,257 players worldwide in the FPL
FPL News
Manchester United’s Anthony Martial to miss FA Cup final with hamstring injury
Injury News Latest News
Manchester United XI vs Fulham: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today
Injury News Predicted Lineups

You Might Also Like

Uncategorized

OFFICIAL Fifa 23 Chelsea Player Ratings

9 months ago
Uncategorized

Report: Wednesday Potentially ‘Key’ In Aubameyang Deal

9 months ago
Uncategorized

Report: Neymar To Chelsea Just A ‘Rumor’

9 months ago
Uncategorized

Chelsea’s new era: Boehly and Clearlake bet on a booming Premier League

9 months ago

FPL360.COM

  • FPL News
  • Player Analysis
  • Fixture Analysis
  • FPL Tools
  • FPL360 Mobile

Socials

Facebook Instagram Rss
Go to mobile version
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?