When Everton fans usually think of Allan, perhaps they're drawn to remembering just one small aspect of his game.
He's usually considered the defensive midfielder, the tough tackler. He's the man who sits in front of the back four and helps break up the play before it even gets to those behind him.
Then, when he picks up possession, it would usually be his job to distribute it simply but effectively, getting the Blues back on the front foot if possible.
In fact the manager who signed him, Carlo Ancelotti, often waxed lyrical about the Brazilian's defensive ability.
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He said: "He's very aggressive. Defensively, he is really good. My personal opinion is that he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He is intelligent tactically and he has got a lot of energy.
"One against one, he is really strong."
But, at the start of this season, Allan is challenging the perception that he offers nothing other than strong defensive nous.
A lot has been made in the opening matches of Abdoulaye Doucoure's increased contribution in the final third of the pitch, capped off of course by his brilliant goal on the opening day.
The Frenchman had spoken before the campaign of his desire to do just that, and it's true that he has been breaking forward much more often than he was allowed last term.
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The thinking from many is that has been the case because Allan has sat back into his role in the midfield two and made room for his teammate to bomb forward whenever he pleases.
But that's not strictly been the case, and Saturday's win over Brighton was the perfect example of that in practice.
Everton have looked a much more cohesive and exciting attacking unit in their opening trio of Premier League matches to begin the campaign, with additions on the wings taking a lot of the credit for that.
However, the midfield two were just as strong this weekend.
Allan in particular played huge roles in both goals for his side, with his pass in the first half showcasing some great quick-thinking and quality.
Rather than hold onto the ball for too long, the Brazilian spotted the run of Demarai Gray and perfectly weighted his through-ball to lie directly in the path of the onrushing winger.
The 25-year-old hardly had to break stride to carry the ball on and eventually fire a lovely left-footed finish into the back of the net, and a lot of that was owed to the quality of the pass.
If that pass in the first half was good, then his through-ball which led to the penalty in the second was even better.
The Brazilian's eye was that of a No.10 rather than a defensive midfielder and the quality with which he threaded the ball between defenders and into the path of Seamus Coleman was fantastic.
The two big moments of the game for Everton both came through the play of Allan. Not defensively, but going forwards.
While focus might have been on Doucoure's increased attacking influence, which has unquestionably had an effect on the team, his midfield partner's change has gone under the radar.
Perhaps it won't anymore, however.
