In a recent interview with France Football (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Sylvain Distin had words of encouragement for the Everton players and their manager, Carlo Ancelotti after their 100% winning start to this campaign. The former Toffee said, “Carlo Ancelotti personifies it (the ambition).
“He is in the same circle as Klopp, Guardiola, Mourinho. You can sense that he is committed to the long term.
“Let’s not get carried away! We will have to beat the top 6 teams. Saturday’s derby against the Reds comes at the best moment. Liverpool are an injured beast after their defeat at Aston Villa (2-7).”
Distin went on to add, “I have a weakness for right-back Séamus Coleman with whom I played.
“There is also Dominic Calvert-Lewin (6 goals), who has just been called up for the national team. Proof that something is happening at Everton.
“(Lucas) Digne and (Abdoulaye) Doucouré are underrated in France because they haven’t played there much and they don’t play at a media club. But they are super pros, solid, discreet.”
Everton’s Perfect Start To The 2020-21 Premier League Campaign
The Merseyside outfit currently find themselves at the top of the Premier League table after winning all four of their league matches so far, scoring 12 goals in the process. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will now face off against their bitter rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park this weekend. A victory for the Merseyside club could do wonders to their confidence as they look to go on and secure a top-four finish at the end of this campaign.
The early signs have been quite positive, so Distin’s words of encouragement for his old club are justified. However, Jordan Pickford’s recent form in between the sticks has raised some concerns over their long-term consistency as far as results are concerned in the Premier League. If Ancelotti’s first-choice goalie can find some form and keep a few clean sheets, then there is no reason why they cannot compete for a European place this season.
Can The Toffees Maintain Their Good Form In The English Top-Flight?
With the highly-anticipated Merseyside derby coming up versus the Reds on Saturday, the Everton players will get a chance to make a real statement by picking up maximum points at home. However, it will be easier said than done as Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently a wounded animal following their 7-2 loss at the hands of Aston Villa at Villa Park before the international break.
The Blues of Merseyside have got some winnable fixtures after the derby with games coming up against Southampton, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Fulham in the Premier League. Hence, there are enough reasons to be optimistic, especially if the Toffees can emerge victorious in this weekend’s Merseyside derby.
Ancelotti has a gifted squad of players at Goodison Park and is experienced enough to get the best out of them over a 38-game stretch in England’s top tier. With all things considered, it seems like Everton have enough quality and depth in their match-day squad to sustain their excellent form in the coming weeks when the fixtures will come thick and fast across all competitions.
