Jermaine Beckford believes his old club Everton could return to European competition with a strong end to the season
David Moyes and mebers of his Everton team following the 3-0 win over Chelsea
David Moyes and mebers of his Everton team following the 3-0 win over Chelsea(Image: (Carl Recine/Getty Images))
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Former Everton forward Jermaine Beckford has praised David Moyes for the way he has transformed his old club.
When Moyes returned in January of last year, the Blues were one point above the relegation zone and in a fourth successive battle for top-flight survival. But they enjoyed a resurgence under the Scot and eventually finished a whopping 23 points clear of the bottom three.
During his first spell as Everton boss – which included more than 500 matches – Moyes regularly had the club qualifying for Europe, as well as reaching the FA Cup final in 2009.
And fast-forward 15 months from when he returned, once again he has the Blues dreaming of Europe heading into the final few months of the campaign.
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"What can you say about David Moyes that hasn’t already been said,” Beckford, who made 40 appearances for the Blues, said.
“He has turned Everton around and now instead of a relegation battle, which is what the fans have been used to for many years, they can now look forward to pushing for a European place.
"Huge credit to David and his team for the transformation in the way Everton are performing on the pitch, where there hasn’t been a dramatic change in players.
"They are not conceding as many as they were, the players are playing progressive football and with Beto and (Thierno) Barry scoring, this is really helping the team.
Everton strikers Beto and Thierno Barry
Everton strikers Beto and Thierno Barry
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"You also have to look at the midfield who are contributing to goals and assists too, and Everton are not looking to only defend, and with back-to-back wins, they can look back to a European campaign, which Moyes delivered for them in his previous spell at the club."
The Blues return to action against Brentford a week on Saturday and they are just three points off a coveted Champions League spot.
And Beckford, speaking via Gambling.com, added: "I’ve been very impressed with Everton this season, and they most definitely can make European football next season.
Iliman Ndiaye celebrates putting Everton 3-0 up over Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye celebrates putting Everton 3-0 up over Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images
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“Defensively David Moyes has always been strong at setting up his teams, and this season has been no different. Going to the next stadium, sometimes it cannot be so successful, but Everton can be pleased with their return so far.
"On the pitch, as I mentioned, with (Jordan) Pickford and (James) Tarkowski, you have experienced players in the Premier League, and this has been shown by their performances so far this season, and with a European spot in sight, they can be the ones who continue to put in big games to push Everton onwards.
"Attacking-wise, Barry and Beto are the ones which have really taken my eye over the last few weeks as David Moyes looks to get more goals from his team, and both are working really well for the team, and with back-to-back wins over Newcastle and Burnley, David Moyes will be very happy with this.
"With their remaining games including some of the teams struggling, there is no reason why Everton can’t maintain their position, and depending on the number of European places, to see Everton back in Europe would be brilliant for the club and the fans."