Leon Osman truly believes Virgil van Dijk does not enjoy facing Everton striker Beto.
The Merseyside Derby is now just a matter of hours away, with David Moyes hoping to see his side secure three points in the hunt for European qualification.
Everton’s strikers have been questioned for a lack of consistency over the course of the campaign.
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Fortunately, Beto is heading into Sunday’s game with three goals in his last two, which Osman thinks will have Van Dijk worried.
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Leon Osman thinks Everton’s Beto worries Virgil van Dijk
Beto has been undertaking training extra at Finch Farm in an attempt to improve following a turbulent campaign on Merseyside.
Speaking on the Outside the Box podcast, Osman has admitted he thinks Van Dijk does not enjoy playing against the physical Everton striker.
What would you say to the lads before they head out for kick-off on Sunday? 🤔
David Moyes, Manager of Everton, celebrates his team's first goal, scored by Beto (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea.
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“You’re right he [Van Dijk] doesn’t necessarily enjoy playing against Beto. One: because he’s physical,” said Osman.
“Two: because he wants to do that, he wants to take the fight to you. And three: because he doesn’t always know what he’s doing, where he’s running, what’s happening and where the ball is going to bounce.”
Beto enjoyed a similarly impressive run of form last year under Moyes, which saw him score in the final derby held at Goodison Park.
Consistency has been his Achilles heel as an Everton player, though there would be no better game to score in than Sunday’s Merseyside Derby.
David Moyes has been impressed with Beto’s improved form
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has demanded more from Everton’s strikers, which he has certainly seen over recent weeks.
The 28-year-old Beto has returned seven goals in the Premier League this season, but more is still wanted from the striker.
“I’m fortunate I get to see him all year and I’ve seen good signs all year,” Moyes told the media on Friday.
“Maybe when it came down to the actions on the pitch, he just couldn’t reproduce. The biggest thing I keep telling people is his effort to work is as big as anybody and his attitude to try and improve is so good.”
Beto has only scored once against Liverpool, but the form he is in will surely have Van Dijk concerned ahead of tomorrow’s game.
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