Carlo Ancelotti may have only been in charge for 12 matches but he has already made big changes, and according to The Athletic journalist Greg O'Keeffe that could signal some bad news for Gylfi Sigurdsson.

What did he say?

The Iceland international has had a season to forget on all fronts, having dropped off significantly from his return of 19 goal contributions in the league in 2018/19, to just one goal and two assists this campaign.

He has maintained his placed in the team under Carlo Ancelotti but in doing so has only earned more criticism from the Toffees' fanbase, and in occupying a left-wing role he has struggled to adapt his abilities and has proved ineffective as a result.

However, according to O'Keeffe Ancelotti is likely to maintain his use of 4-4-2, which is a concern for the 30-year-old as it means he won't be able to fulfil his usual no.10 role.

Writing in The Athletic, O'Keeffe said:

"Sigurdsson is understood to believe that, in club football, he is best suited to an advanced attacking midfield role — the conventional No 10 slot he filled for the previous Everton manager Silva. However, it appears such a position will not form part of Ancelotti’s blueprint for the side."

There are other factors working against Sigurdsson, too, such as the emergence of Anthony Gordon, who has featured twice since the Italian boss was appointed.

It is believed that he is highly-rated by many high-profile figures at the club, including Director of Football Marcel Brands, and next season could be his breakthrough at Goodison Park because of that.

O'Keeffe's colleague Patrick Boyland added:

"We’ve already heard positive noises from Ancelotti about Gordon, while Brands remains a fan. In training, he regularly comes in the top three in sprint drills and he is improving his off-the-ball work.

"Gordon would still be best from the left, coming inside as he did against Chelsea, but it’s also worth mentioning that he can basically play anywhere across the frontline. As Everton look to cut numbers, that could well count for him in the long run…

Uncertain future

On the one hand, there are a number of reasons to hope that Sigurdsson leaves this summer if you're an Everton fan.

He has failed to live up to his £45m price tag with his often underwhelming performances, averaging a 6.6 rating per WhoScored, and with the exciting Gordon coming through supporters have a Merseyside boy to cheer on.

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However, Ancelotti could see Sigurdsson as challenge, and that may offer him the necessary motivation to get the best out of him, with next season acting as a clean slate.

The former Real Madrid boss has worked with some of the best players in the world and had them delivering their best football - as his Champions League medals attest to - so it is very possible that he will choose to do the same with Sigurdsson, regardless of whether he has a natural position in the side or not.

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It will ultimately come down to the midfielder and his ability to turn around his bad form. Failing to show ability is one thing, but a lack of desire will not be tolerated by Ancelotti or the Everton faithful, and that could prove pivotal in deciding his faith.

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