David Moyes has something of a midfield conundrum on his hands at Everton, but Alan Stubbs may have outlined a solution.
Everton face Manchester United on Monday, and are looking to get back on track.
The Toffees have been left to stew on a poor result against Bournemouth last week, and fans are itching to see a response against the Red Devils.
Do you go with a two or even David Moyes’ new three-man midfield? 🤩
Do not forget Tim Iroegbunam!
Everton midfielders Harrison Armstrong, James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan/Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
It will certainly be interesting to see how David Moyes sets up, especially in midfield.
Idrissa Gana Gueye has been criticised of late, and there could well be an argument for rotating him. Although the extended rest period may see him keep his place.
But if he is to be dropped then there are several things Moyes could do.
For Alan Stubbs, Harrison Armstrong might be the best fit.
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Alan Stubbs suggests Harrison Armstrong should play further back for Everton
Harrison Armstrong playing for Everton.
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
Armstrong was retained by Everton, after a lot of talk he could be sent back out on loan to Preston for the rest of the season.
Moyes clearly believes in him, and it feels like he could get fairly regular minutes. The manager was vocal about him not sitting on the bench if he was to stay.
So far, he’s made eight Premier League appearances this season, but a lot of the time he’s played as the most advanced midfielder.
In the eyes of former captain Alan Stubbs, Armstrong would be better as a six or an eight.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “He’s got a lot of potential. I think it speaks volumes that he can play out wide even though he wouldn’t necessarily see himself in that role, he’s a different type of wide player.
“He’s one of those who is going to cut inside and play little balls into strikers and into the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in pockets of space as he’s got a football brain. I see him as a six or an eight eventually.”
Armstrong worth a try in deeper role
We’ve seen him high up the pitch, almost on the shoulder of the striker at times. We’ve also seen him on the wings.
But Stubbs may well be on to something when he says he sees Armstrong as more of a six or an eight.
Armstrong is a bit of an all-rounder, which suggests that he could thrive playing slightly deeper, or going from box-to-box.
Does Gueye need to be dropped? 🤔
Idrissa Gana Gueye.
We’ve all seen his technical ability. But the youngster is also physically good as well, and has the capacity to carry the ball through the lines fending off challenges, and he can hold his own in defensive duels.
There are other options like Merlin Rohl and Tim Iroegbunam who could come in for Gueye.
But the ball is now rolling for Armstrong and Moyes might want to keep that momentum going for him.
A midfield of Garner and Armstrong with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing slightly ahead might just be the way to go.
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