Everton could soon have four fully fit strikers to choose from
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Rufus Allirajah Lane
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Sean Dyche during the match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on December 1, 2024
Sean Dyche during the match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on December 1, 2024
(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin received a standing ovation as he made his way off the pitch to be substituted in the 4-0 thumping of Wolves with the Goodison faithful showing their appreciation of the number nine, who was unlucky to have a brace of goals both declared as Craig Dawson getting the final touch.
Calvert-Lewin’s replacement, summer signing Armando Broja, was also met with a sizeable cheer from the home fans as he made his debut, after being fit for selection for the first time this season.
Sean Dyche would certainly have been pleased with the displays of both players on what was a practically perfect night for the team, but soon he will have to choose between the two strikers.
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Dyche has given Calvert-Lewin the responsibility of leading the line 13 out of Everton’s 14 Premier League games, with Beto starting the only other match in the 4-0 loss at Old Trafford. In those games, Everton’s number nine has only managed to score twice and is currently on a drought of 10 games without a goal.
The 27-year-old’s lacklustre goalscoring form has therefore opened the door for a player to take his place and, despite getting the nod against Manchester United, it seems Dyche has decided that Beto won’t be that player. The Portuguese striker, signed from Udinese last summer, has been limited to just 180 minutes so far this season.
This then presents the opportunity for Broja, on loan from Chelsea, to stamp his flag at the top of the pitch for Dyche’s side. The 23-year-old’s 12-minute cameo in the win over Wolves was enough to excite Evertonians about what he can possibly bring to the team, with the striker manufacturing a hattrick of chances for Jack Harrison, although none of the three were converted.
Broja, born in Slough to Armenian parents, came through Chelsea’s illustrious Cobham academy but has yet to really have his breakthrough campaign in England, with much of his young career stifled by injuries. After making his professional debut against Everton at Stamford Bridge in March 2020, Broja has completed loans at Dutch side Vitesse, Southampton, and Fulham.
As well as goals, Dyche will hope Broja will be able to add a different element to Everton’s attack. Even against Wolves, Broja's exhibition of speed and ability to run with the ball stood in contrast to Calvert-Lewin’s display of strong hold-up play and aerial presence. Although faced with a possible selection headache, the Everton manager will enjoy the variety of personnel.
Dyche’s fourth striking option is 20-year-old Youssef Chermiti, who is currently working his way back to full fitness after picking up a foot injury in pre-season. The injury came at an unfortunate time for the Portuguese youngster as he was confidently building momentum to contest for more minutes this campaign. Signed from Sporting Lisbon last summer, Chermiti has shown promise in the just 197 minutes he has been afforded in the Premier League and, once fit, will hope to make a compelling case for himself to lead Everton’s front line.
Following his debut for the Toffees, Broja spoke about how having numerous striking options can only help the club. He told evertontv: “It’s a positive thing to have and I’m sure the manager’s delighted that he’s got more options to use, as well. It’s a really good thing to have and I just want to push my teammates to be better; I want to push myself to be better, push the team, try to do as well as I can for the team, and I’ll keep doing that.”
Aside from Wednesday’s four-goal thrashing, goals have been few and far between for the Blues, leaving fans yearning for a consistent goalscorer, as they have done for some time. It is up to Dyche to decide which striker in his ranks has the best chance of becoming that.