While the capture of James Rodríguez has sparked the imagination at Everton this summer, the signing of Allan from Napoli is equally as important.
The Brazilian midfielder may not bring the excitement or social media profiles of his new teammate but, ask any Everton fan, and they’ll tell you he is exactly what their side needed.
That was proven on his debut against Tottenham, with an all-action, combative performance earning him rave reviews from fans and pundits alike.
His display was what fans have become accustomed to seeing from Allan, who has been putting in performances like that for Napoli for several years.
Despite months of speculation about a move to Everton and it clear that both he and Napoli wanted the switch, the transfer was still something of a surprise given the Italian side do not have a direct replacement for him.
That is a problem that they are yet to fix, and we’ve already seen some comments from Italy that sanctioning the deal may have been a mistake.
That is certainly the opinion of former Napoli defender Massimo Filardi, who says he would not have sold Allan to Everton if he were in charge at the club.
“I can’t explain the sale of Allan. We lost a great footballer for two liras,” he told Tifosi Napoletani, relayed by Area Napoli.
“The Brazilian would have been fundamental for this team also because he is at the height of his competitive maturity.
“He already showed his qualities in Everton’s first Premier League match against Tottenham.
“Napoli, in its current squad, does not have a footballer with the characteristics of Allan. That’s why Gennaro Gattuso risks having no solution in that area of the pitch.
“There are players who have other peculiarities, who are better at setting up the pitch than at not owning it. I repeat: I wouldn’t have given up a footballer like Allan.”
