Everton’s attacking woes continue after handing Southampton their first clean sheet of the season. This has caused many to look for a change in the striker position after Dominic Calvert-Lewin has again hit a poor run of form. Beto is the man fans want to see on the team sheet heading into upcoming games. The Guinea-Bissau striker has won support with his passion and unwavering desire when on the pitch.
Why Beto Can Change Evertons Attacking Fortunes
Why Isn’t Beto Starting For Everton
Despite his efforts when playing, Beto has not started a Premier League match this term. Often used as a late substitute, the former Udinese striker has played just 86 minutes across his six league appearances. His sole goal came in the 94th minute against Fulham to secure Everton a draw at home.
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Currently, DCL has started all 10 league matches as the sole striker, finding the back of the net just twice. The English striker has resumed his lacklustre form from last year, tallying seven goals in his 32 league appearances.
Sean Dyche’s pragmatic tactics rely on a striker who is strong aerially and able to hold up play. This was often the reason for the selection of DCL over other options. Beto has shown his ability to provide these qualities while maintaining the ability to press the opposition defenders.
What Beto Can Provide For Everton
The Toffee currently rely heavily on crosses and long balls. It remains to be seen why Beto has yet to get a start, as both favour a man who stands at 6’4″ and has a turn of foot.
During his time at Udinese, it was a feature for Beto to score from a ball played through the defence that he could run on to. Similar runs in behind have fallen out of Calvert-Lewin’s game in recent years after a run of injuries has hampered his capacity to break the line.
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This might open up the field for the Everton attack. Beto’s disallowed goal against Southampton was a perfect example of the striker’s capacity to play in behind despite being minutely offside. His first league goal for the club was another terrific display of his strength and pace.
Could Everton Change to a Two Striker System?
Despite his reputation coming from Burnley, Dyche has moved away from the 4-4-2 formation since moving. This is primarily because of a lack of availability in the forward line. DCL and Beto are the only two fit strikers in the senior team, and playing them both could present a risk.
While similar players, the two could combine to create many problems for the opposition if deployed correctly.
The Toffees have not lined up with two strikers since the 2022/23 campaign in a match against Manchester City that resulted in a 1-1 draw. Another option would be to line up Iliman N’Diaye as a striker, where he has sporadically played for previous clubs.
Change is needed for Everton, whose attack has faltered continuously. With their defence not excelling as it did last year, the Toffees will find themselves once again in a relegation battle late into the season.
