Everton Relegation to Europe 4-3-3 (Control Possession)

Formation:

4-3-3 (Custom Control Possession)

GK (SK-Su): Pickford – distributes quickly, starts build-up.

FB (Su): Mykolenko (LB), Coleman (RB) – provide width, overlap selectively.

BPD (De): Branthwaite & Tarkowski – progressive passes into midfield.

DM (Su): Garner – shields defense, dictates tempo.

CM (Su): Dewsbury-Hall & Alcaraz – carry the ball, link play, late runs into box.

IW (Su): Grealish (LW), Cherki (RW) – cut inside, combine with AF.

AF (At): N’Diaye – spearhead, presses high, poacher in the box.

Team Instructions

Mentality: Balanced

In Possession:

Shorter Passing

Play Into Space

Low Crosses

Run at Defence

Focus Play Down the Left

Higher Tempo

Narrow Attacking Width

In Transition:

Distribute Quickly

Counter

Counter-Press

Out of Possession:

Higher Defensive Line

High Press

Prevent Short GK Distribution

Get Stuck In

Step Up More

Invite Crosses

Strengths (Positives):

Goals from penalty area, six-yard box dominance
Strong central penetration, high possession control
Solid pressing and quick transition play
Excellent chance creation from narrow overloads

Weaknesses (Negatives):

Vulnerable to long shots
Conceding penalties from aggressive pressing
Weak influence from wings if IWs get isolated
Occasional gaps behind high line

Results Snapshot (Season 23/24):

Everton finished 6th (despite -6 pts deduction)

66 points secured Europa League football

Scored 71 goals (2nd-highest with Liverpool & Chelsea)

Beat Sunderland 3-3 in finale to seal Europe

This tactic is best for mid-table teams aiming for possession dominance, converting relegation-threatened squads into European challengers.