Evanilson can be "nine and a half" for Cherries - New boss Rose

MARCO Rose believes that Evanilson can be a ‘nine and a half’ for the Cherries this season as we got a glimpse of how the Brazilian could be deployed under the German against St Pauli.

Evanilson played alongside Enes Unal and then Daniel Jebbison in the first half against the Bundesliga 2 team, before he was replaced at halftime.

Of the two forwards, it was the Brazilian who tended to drop deeper, to pick the ball up in space, and look to link the play, a strength of his game, while his partner stayed high and occupied defenders.

Reaction to St Pauli goal 'top and right' as Rose happy with first Cherries friendly

Kroupi and Brooks 'carrying fatigue' that saw pair miss friendly vs St Pauli

Cherries cruise to comfortable pre-season victory over St Pauli to begin Rose reign

Rose has a history of playing with two strikers in a similar fashion at his previous clubs, and this could be a system we see more of at Bournemouth.

Asked about Evanilson’s role in his team, Rose told the Daily Echo: "I think this role fits Eva very well.

(Image: Robin Jones/AFC Bournemouth)

"So today he did it because we haven't got two number 10s and we needed to get everyone in the position.

"So not everyone played his top position, but I think Eva could be like a 9.5 and he played well.

"And I said to him, if he continues like this, if he works like this, he's going to score many more goals than last season."

On using two strikers, Rose said it was a matter of having different options.

In the second half, Jebbison started alongside Justin Kluivert in more of a number ten role, before the pair were replaced by Alvaro Rodriguez and Malcom Dacosta Gonzalez.

"We want to be flexible, but at the end, if you want to make pressure on opponent, you need at least two players or three maybe to start," he explained.

"And in possession, it looks a little bit different.

(Image: Richard Crease)

"We miss some players. So yeah, again, we want to work on the things, and today I'm happy for now, and now we continue our work."

Unal was replaced – right before a free kick that he would have likely been eyeing up – after around 30 minutes of the first half.

Jebbison, then, was taken off for Rodriguez after 19 minutes of the second 45.

Rose said this was the plan: "The strikers had a 30-30-30, all of them. This was the plan."

Another forward who was replaced during the first half was young winger Remy Rees-Dottin after he picked up a knock.

Rose gave an update on the 20-year-old: "Remy had some hit on his head, and that's why we just took care about him."