Former England international Kieron Dyer has praised the influence of Carlo Ancelotti on Everton's transfer business.
James Rodriguez was snapped up on a permanent deal from Spanish giants Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.
It was a busy window for Everton, with Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Niels Nkounkou, Ben Godfrey and goalkeeper Robin Olsen also arriving at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti's new-look team have made a flying start to the season and currently sit atop the Premier League.
Rodriguez has been central to their performances and midfielder-turned pundit Dyer believes the manager's pedigree and reputation will have been crucial to attracting a player of that calibre to the club.
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"When they got Ancelotti in as manager, you knew it was up there with your Mourinhos, Klopps," he told Sky Sports.
"You say you’re only as good as your players but the manager is worth his weight in gold. Ancelotti, to turn the Everton team from last season to top of the league is full credit to him.
“You look at their recruitment. No disrespect to the previous managers but none of them could’ve signed James.
"No way is James going to Everton without Ancelotti. That’s the pedigree of the manager we’re dealing with now.
"You look at what he’s done with certain players - (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin - the turnaround is down to Ancelotti as well.”
