Tactics consistency pays off for Everton
Following three 3:0 consecutive wins, Everton are surely one of the good form teams in the Premier League. Their tactical discipline and good implementation of a 4-2-3-1 formation sees the team move in the top half of the table, 6 points behind a European football spot.
Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, with their 24 goals, are definitely the Everton players that stand out this season, but the entire team effort is the reason for their good results recently.
The 4-2-3-1 formation, used by Everton, is widely applied in modern football, especially by Spanish teams. This system is not defensive at all, as even the defenders join the attacks of the team. Baines and Coleman are high-class wing-backs, but Roberto Martinez can also rely on talented Oviedo and Galloway, who can contribute a lot for the team's attacks. Fast, confident, agile and strong wing-backs are an important part of the 4-2-3-1 formation and Martinez has at least 4 players that do great job at this position.
Providing 5 players at midfield clearly makes it difficult for any opponent to maintain possession in this area. Barry and McCarthy have a great partnership in front of the center-backs, which contributes a lot in defense. The double pivot is vital for the team to perform well in defense.
Ross Barkley operates as a classic playmaker and has been one of the most consistent Toffees player this season. Barkley is certainly very efficient at his position and it is precisely the playmaker that is of great importance for the success of the 4-2-3-1 formation.
Variety of players are involved in Everton's attacking midfield trio beside Barkley. Deulofeu and Kone have been used most often, but recently Lennon and Cleverley or Mirallas are performing rather successfully at the attacking midfield. The trio behind the team's central forward is highly offensive and always causes trouble to the opponent defense.
Finally, a lot can be said about Romelu Lukaku, who is being just perfect as a central forward. Traditionally, for a 4-2-3-1 system, a very tall and physically strong player is need as a lone striker. Lukaku is fast enough and holds the ball excellently, which allows midfielders and full-backs to join him in attack. Lukaku scored 16 goals so far in the Premier League, but also he is doing a great deal for opening spaces for his teammates to attack.
This weekend, Everton welcome West Bromwich, which are struggling lately. If the home side manages the 4-2-3-1 formation right once again, then they should win this one.
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