Everton comfortably secured their Premier League status after being embroiled in a relegation battle for most of the 2023/24 season.
Sean Dyche’s team shook off points deductions and other significant off-field issues to defy the odds by finishing 15th in the final standings.
While the club’s ownership situation remains unresolved, Everton fans can look forward to the new season with renewed optimism.
Dyche is famed for his pragmatic approach to management – a reputation forged by the stringent 4-4-2 system he utilised at Burnley. He adopted a more flexible approach with Everton last season, switching between 4-4-1-1 and 4-2-3-1 to suit different types of opponents.
However, a strong argument can be made for Dyche reverting to his favoured 4-4-2, particularly if he can find replacements for veteran full-backs Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman.
While Young is probably still fit enough to do himself for another season, Coleman’s struggles with injury make him a risky proposition. The Republic of Ireland international has been a loyal servant to the club, but he could be the weak link if Dyche decides to go back to a 4-4-2 set-up.
The manager will need to give serious thought to Coleman’s role next season, especially with sports bettors in his homeland pondering their ante-post Premier League wagers.
Everton are priced at 4/1 to finish in the top 10, and those odds could have punters flocking to the newest betting sites in Ireland to take advantage.
Coleman’s possible absence from the starting XI is unlikely to sway Irish bettors, who are noted for recognising a good value bet when they see one.
Analysing Dyche’s 4-4-2 system
Dyche’s managerial tenure has been synonymous with a brand of football built on defensive solidity. The 4-4-2 system emphasised that philosophy.
His back four utilises brute force, but they are also a versatile unit adept at covering space and shutting down passing lanes in their half. This allows them to invite the opposition forward, setting traps and maintaining a compact defensive block.
As the trap is sprung, Dyche’s teams aggressively press and win the ball back in key areas, ready to launch lightning-fast counter-attacks.
The attacking strategy in this 4-4-2 is a nuanced one. While the wide midfielders maintain their width to provide crosses and cut-backs, the full-backs offer support in attack but remain disciplined, rarely venturing too far up the pitch.
This ensures defensive stability even when on the offensive. Dyche favours forwards who are a handful for opposing defenders. They must be aerially dominant, boast a physical presence, and be willing to disrupt opposition centre-backs – a skillset tailored to exploit any weaknesses.
While Dyche’s 4-4-2 is built on defensive solidity, there is a balance. The deep-lying midfielders provide crucial cover compared to their counterparts in a more attacking formation like the 4-3-3.
Combined with a compact team, it allows for a high press, a mid-block press or a deep defensive strategy, depending on the situation.
The system worked a treat for Dyche at Burnley, propelling them to the 2018/19 Europa League play-off round. With Everton eyeing a top-half finish for the first time since 2020/21, returning to 4-4-2 could be a step in the right direction for Dyche.
The Resurgence of 4-4-2
The once-ubiquitous 4-4-2 formation has been relegated to the fringes of tactical discussions in recent years, but appears to be enjoying a surprising renaissance.
Slovenia implemented the system at the 2024 European Championship in Germany. They defied the odds to reach the knockout phase for the first time in their history.
Their success wasn’t an isolated incident. Several teams utilised the classic formation with impressive results at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Graham Arnold used 4-4-2 to lead Australia to the knockout stage for the first time in 16 years, although their journey ultimately ended against the eventual champions, Argentina.
La Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni also employed the 4-4-2, and led the team to their first World Cup title in 36 years.
Argentina have subsequently continued their dominance, adding the Finalissima and the Copa America to their trophy cabinet, which is further testament to the potential of the revived system.
Everton Could Finish in the Top Ten with 4-4-2
Everton would be a good bet to finish in the top 10 using a 4-4-2 system, providing Dyche has the right profile of players to implement the formation successfully.
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Dyche’s success with Burnley and the system’s resurgence in international football offers a blueprint for how Everton could thrive using it when executed correctly.
If the club can make the necessary adjustments and bolster their squad, they may surpass expectations and establish themselves as formidable opponents in the Premier League not just in FM24.
