Since signing for Everton in the summer for around £25m when bonuses are included, few would dispute the centrality of Allan to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
The 29-year-old has had a distinguished career in football, mostly in the upper echelons of the Italian game with 212 appearances for Napoli [Transfermarkt].
His deep-lying anchoring effect in midfield offers reinforcement and stability to a back line which hasn’t always been watertight during Ancelotti’s reign.
A recent hamstring injury is a significant blow to his progress and piqued the concerns of some Everton supporters.
Dogged midfield enforcement, prolific play-making and an incisive aggression to his game are key components of the Brazilian’s abilities, although details of his qualities are nothing new to Everton fans.
To that end, here’s a test of your knowledge of Allan’s career prior to his arrival on Merseyside. See how many questions you can answer correctly!
