Everton: 3 players who need to step up after Richarliosn’s suspension
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| The eventful Merseyside derby also saw Richarlison receive a red card for his audacious challenge on Thiago |
Richarlison received a red card in the Merseyside derby, meaning he will remain suspended for the next three games. Here are players who need to step up in his absence.
The eventful Merseyside derby also saw Richarlison receive a red card for his audacious challenge on Thiago. The red card means Richarlison will remain out for the next three game– Southampton, Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Replacing Richarlison is a huge task because the uniqueness that he offers to the side cannot be replicated by anyone else in the team. Yet, there are some players in the team who can step up and minimize the loss felt by Richarlison’s red card. Here are three players who can step up in Richarlison’s absence.
1. Anthony Gordon
Carlo Ancelotti hinted at Anthony Gordon getting some minutes against Southampton. Last season’s breakout star has struggled to get some gametime this term simply due to the immense competition in the position he’s capable of playing.
Gordon did feature in two Carabao Cup games, registering 3 assists in 134 minutes. There’s no doubt on Gordon’s quality or his capabilities. It is unfortunate that he has slipped down the pecking order due to the strong competition among the players in that position.
Last season during the Project Restart, Gordon looked the most energetic player in a soulless team, giving a glimpse of his talent and announcing himself in front of the world. Gordon has a brilliant opportunity to show Ancelotti and the supporters that he deserves to be in the matchday squad week in week out.
2. James Rodriguez
Thursday afternoon Ancelotti delivered a blow that James is ruled out for the Southampton game but in less than 24 hours the Italian has made a U-turn, not completely ruling the Colombian out of the game. Rodriguez did light and partial training and could still feature against Saints. If he does feature against Southampton, he’ll have to take up more responsibility in absence of Richarlison.
James Rodriguez is already a top performer in the team, creating chances in the final third and controlling the tempo of the Everton attack. So on the offensive side, James Rodriguez is extracting the maximum from himself.
Richarlison is an exploitative player up front but what makes his gameplay more remarkable is his defensive commitment to the side. We often see the Brazilian running up and down the left flank, helping Lucas Digne in defence.
Plenty of times Richarlison drops deep on the left wing trying to add numerical superiority while defending. This allows Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez to remain up the pitch and not commit themselves too much defensively.
But, with a presser like Richarlison out, the Colombian will have to be more committed defensively. Tracking back, pressing the opponent, off the ball moment to preserve the shape will be some of the duties that James will have to fulfil.
3. Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne is one of the best full backs in the Premier League right now. He has been for a couple of years now. He fits into the bracket of modern day attacking full back, excellent with the ball and always ready to bomb forward.
He and Richarlison make a near perfect combo on the left flank with both players extremely attack minded. Digne complements Richarlison in the attacking half by overlapping runs, making quick one-twos and darting crosses in the box.
Richarlison helps the Frenchman in the defensive tasks and pledges himself in tracking back, pressing or even tackling the opponent. The duo work well with each other but with the Brazilian out, Digne has his work increased on both the fronts.
Especially, on the offensive front, Digne will have to be more open and try to provide maximum support from the left flank. Assuming Gordon gets a chance, Digne will have to assist the 19 year old in whatever way possible. The 27 year old must be more productive on the offensive front and getting more involved than usual.
With Richy out, a lot of responsibilities will lie on Digne’s shoulders on the left flank and with what we have seen of the Frenchman, I am sure he won’t disappoint.