Everton Set To Test Charly Alcaraz As A Centre-Forward, Will It Work?

Everton’s striker problem is well known following the conclusion of the summer transfer window, with Thierno Barry the only out-and-out option for the Toffees. 

The only alternative David Moyes has used so far is Brennan Johnson, who came into a centre-forward role against Wolves in the Carabao Cup. It’s safe to say Johnson isn’t the perfect option up front, but Moyes is going to have to find alternative methods in order to give Barry some rest at times.

Everton also need to prepare for a potential injury to Barry, as there’s no guarantee that he can remain fit all season. 

Folarin Balogun was meant to be the answer for Everton, but a move for the Monaco striker fell through on deadline day. It’s now given Barry an opportunity to truly prove himself, but that doesn’t mean Moyes won’t be exploring alternative options. 

A three-week international break is now underway, and although Everton’s already thin squad has been depleted further, it’s still an opportunity for Moyes to test things out. The Toffees look set to play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Blackburn, which will be another chance for Moyes to try something a little different.

According to a report from the Liverpool Echo, Moyes is set to test whether Charly Alcaraz could be an option for Everton in the centre-forward role over the international break. The Argentinian is one of those who will remain at Finch Farm over the next few weeks, and it’s plenty of time for Moyes to try to find a solution.

Alcaraz has played in a centre-forward position at times during his career. At Southampton, Alcaraz was deployed there on the odd occasion, but it’s certainly not a position he’s played regularly. 

Alcaraz does have some traits that would suit playing in a centre-forward position. In a counter-attacking side, Alcaraz can use his ball-carrying ability to drive through the middle of the pitch in transition. He can also drift into wide areas to link up with wingers. 

Alcaraz would likely drop into the number 10 position to try to get on the ball, which could cause congestion, and it would also need runners in behind to attack the space. 

Out of possession, Alcaraz certainly has the work rate to play as a central striker. The issue could be that he’s quite erratic with his pressing, whereas Barry is more conservative and presses when he needs to and in a more measured manner. 

Alcaraz can often leave gaps with his pressing, but this might be less damaging up front, rather than where he usually presses in the number 10 position. 

Everton would have to play in a different style if they wanted to be successful with Alcaraz in the striker position. Barry was involved in an obscene number of aerial duels last season due to Everton lumping the ball up to him regularly, rather than looking to play through the lines and find his feet.

Playing Alcaraz in that system simply isn’t going to work. You’re going to have to play more in transition with the ball on the floor, or playing through the lines with the ball and finding the feet of the forwards.

It’s difficult to see Moyes changing his ways too much, which in turn makes it difficult to see Everton having much success with Alcaraz. Maybe playing Alcaraz in the centre-forward position could be effective in some game states off the bench, but it’s difficult to see it making too much sense from the start.