David Moyes has played a 4-2-3-1 formation all season at Everton.
The Everton manager has always played with just one striker up front, with Thierno Barry more often than not the preferred option.
However, Barry has really struggled at times, and ultimately his five goals in the Premier League just isn’t good enough.
The Frenchman evidently needs support, as he can go missing for large portions of the game, so it appears Moyes may be preparing to change the system for next season.
Here’s why Everton’s interest in Etta Eyong indicates a change in formation.
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Everton interested in Levante striker Etta Eyong.
Everton target Etta Eyong usually plays in a front two
Moyes and his recruitment chiefs are already exploring a move to sign Levante’s Etta Eyong ahead of the summer window.
What is particularly interesting about this link is the fact that Eyong isn’t a traditional number nine like Moyes usually goes for.
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Troy Parrott lined up for the Republic of Ireland. Ivan Toney playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Richarlison playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile/Yasser Bakhsh/Molly Darlington/Copa.
The 22-year-old actually operates in a 4-4-2, playing alongside Ivan Romero, who typically plays in the more central zones.
Eyong likes to drift into half spaces and use his mobility, so perhaps the Toffees boss is planning to partner him with Barry next term.
Considering the Toffees have invested a sizable £30m in Barry, they won’t want to replace him directly, so finding him a partner is an interesting way to get even more out of him.
David Moyes has great success playing two up front in his first Everton spell
During his first spell at Everton, Moyes had great success playing a 4-4-2, or perhaps more of a 4-4-1-1.
It would be Tim Cahill or Maroune Fellaini who would play just behind the centre-forward, and they would certainly contribute enough goals to take the pressure off the number nine.
That may be the thought process behind looking at Eyong, as there’s far too much pressure on Barry’s shoulders at the moment to deliver.
For a young player, that can be really difficult to handle, especially considering he’s still adapting to a new league and country.
Liam Delap is also being linked to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, so Moyes is clearly open to replacing Barry like-for-like.
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