Marcelo Bielsa at Everton – could you imagine that? Well, it appears as though the folks at the Mirror certainly could, as the English publication has touted him as a potential replacement for Marco Silva, should the Portuguese lose his job at Goodison Park. 

It’s not too far fetched when you think about it. Bielsa’s garnered a reputation for being a manager that is able to make an immediate impact wherever he goes, whilst he also plays the stylish brand of football that Everton are seeking.

He’d do things a little differently to Silva, that’s for sure, and there would certainly be some changes as far as the Toffees’ team is concerned. A few players could well lose their places in the team under the managership of the Argentine.

But who would make the cut?

Bielsa’s use of formations is interesting, as he tends to rely on either a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-3-3 – though each system is interchangeable. What both systems require, however, are a defensively-minded midfielder, a potent forward, and a lot of energy up and down the pitch. That’s worth bearing in mind, as it will be important when discussing who would play under him.

Of course, Jordan Pickford would be an obvious starter, and that would continue regardless of whether Silva left. The Englishman isn’t the most consistent goalkeeper, but he is one of the best in England – and that counts for something. He’s saved Everton a few times this season already.

Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman, you’d expect, would also feature regularly for the Toffees. Both have enjoyed good runs at Goodison Park, and there is no doubting the sheer talent of either individual. Their pace and energy would suit Bielsa well. In defence, the pairing of Kurt Zouma and Yerry Mina could be favoured over Michael Keane – simply due to their physicality and mobility. Keane has had a good season this year, but his inconsistent form over the last few years does mean that the jury is still out on him. In Mina and Zouma, Bielsa would have everything he likes; power, pace, technique, agility.

In midfield, Idrissa Gueye would be the defensive master that was previously mentioned. He’s a fantastic tackler, and when Everton move forward, he’d be expected to sit back and defend. Alongside him, Andre Gomes would be more of a mobile player, always running and pressing the opposition, and he’d be one of the most important players in this system. Gylfi Sigurdsson would sit just ahead of them, and he’d prioritise being a creator. He’d thrive in a system that’s built around him, and Bielsa would certainly look to do that.

Going forward, it’s hard to look past Richarlison as Everton’s striker. The Toffees need to find a new forward, but until they do, the Brazilian ticks most of the boxes. He’s quick, he’s technically-gifted, and he’s fantastic at linking up play. He’s the best they’ve got. Bernard, meanwhile, who is a fantastic runner with bags of technique, seems to be a good fit on the left, and given time, he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition. Over the years, Marcelo Bielsa has shown an affinity for young players, as he has with Jack Clarke at Leeds, so perhaps Lookman could be a benefactor of that. He’s looked good whenever he has played, but a lack of opportunities has persisted.

With only a few minor changes, Bielsa could help take Everton to the next level.

Thoughts?