Ratcliffe Speaks Out

Former Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe has slammed manager Sam Allardyce in his Liverpool column as "naive" for his tam selection against Manchester City last time out.

The Toffees managed just 18 per cent possession as Pep Guardiola's side continued to show their dominance in the Premier League this season with a comfortable win. Yannick Bolasie scored a consolation with the score already 3-0.

Allardyce named a somewhat surprising line-up in parts, with Dom Calvert-Lewin playing as a number 10 and Wayne Rooney playing alongside Morgan Schneiderlin in the middle of the park.

Ratcliffe was not impressed by Allardyce's selection and stated that former England captain Rooney can no longer play in a midfield two as he turns 33 in about six months.

"I asked myself ‘surely we’re not going to play two midfield players against their three?’ and three of their quality," Ratcliffe said. "I thought it was naive.

"Rooney can’t do it in a two any more. He struggles to do it in a three against the better sides when they are zipping balls about. So I couldn’t understand Dominic Calvert-Lewin playing number 10 when he’s never played number 10 before."

Ratcliffe and the rest of the Everton fanbase will be hoping the Toffees put up more of a fight this weekend as the Merseyside club faces bitter rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park.