Silva may have just discovered 29 y/o's best Everton position; needs to repeat trial on Saturday

Gyfli Sigurdsson has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted players over the years – a dead-ball specialist – but, thanks to Marco Silva’s clever tweak for the Huddersfield clash, we saw a different side to the 29-year-old and it may be one we see a lot more often from now on.

On the chalkboard

Having lost their last Premier League game – a 2-1 defeat at the hands of relegation battlers Southampton – before being knocked out of the FA Cup by Millwall next time out, Everton were in dire need of a reaction against Huddersfield.

The Terriers started Matchday 24 at the foot of the table, while the Toffees were looking to re-enter the top half; new Huddersfield boss Jan Siewert was surely keen to get at least a point from his first game in charge and so ensued a cagey affair in which one goal was enough to break the home side’s hearts.

An early strike from golden boy Richarlison was enough to secure the points for the away side, but Everton had all hands on deck after Lucas Digne was dismissed just after the hour – Sigurdsson was crucial.

Sigurdsson’s new role

The Icelandic playmaker is usually deployed as a number ten in a balanced 4-2-3-1, but the trial of a 4-1-4-1 saw him step in alongside Tom Davies in central midfield – there, the former Swansea man was required to stick his foot in a lot more often and he obliged.

Completing an incredible seven tackles, the 64-cap international was as excellent out of possession as he often is in it, although he was still instrumental on the front foot – he completed two dribbles and one key pass, while also having three attempts on goal (stats per WhoScored).

That kind of output, if it can be reproduced next time out, will be crucial if Silva’s side are to beat Wolves this weekend – the Midlands outfit have an outstanding midfield and the Toffees will have to be right on the toes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho if they are to stop their defence being split open.

Has Silva just found Sigurdsson’s best position?

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may be out for the season but it’s given him a chance to show off his new accesory. Check out the video above to see for yourself…

from FootballFanCast.com http://bit.ly/2UtVlHq