Everton Faces Striker Crisis as Beto Struggles to Deliver

Everton is grappling with a pressing need for a reliable striker as criticism mounts on forward Beto for his lack of effectiveness in front of goal. Manager David Moyes is facing challenges, with the team’s recent performances highlighting significant deficiencies in the attacking third. Beto’s inconsistency, alongside Thierno Barry’s struggles, underscores the club’s urgency to secure a new number nine ahead of the January transfer window.

Beto’s tenure at Everton has been marked by disappointment, with statistics revealing he is among the most wasteful strikers in Europe’s top leagues. This season, he has managed to score only 17 goals in 84 appearances, raising questions about his suitability for the role. His current form has seen him underperform against his expected goals (xG) by 3.1, ranking him as the fifth-worst striker across the top five European leagues. In comparison, Barry has also fallen short, underperforming his xG by 1.34.

Transfer Prospects for Everton

With Everton’s attacking woes becoming increasingly apparent, the club is reportedly interested in Evan Ferguson from Brighton & Hove Albion. Ferguson’s potential arrival could provide the spark Everton desperately needs to reinvigorate their offense. The Toffees have relied heavily on players like Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, but their contributions have not mitigated the pressing need for a more consistent goal scorer.

Beto’s statistics reflect a concerning trend. Over the past three seasons, Everton players have consistently ranked among the top for the biggest underperformance of xG in Europe. Notably, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was in the top 10 for two consecutive seasons, with a total underperformance of 9.6 across those campaigns. Beto’s pass accuracy is a mere 63 percent, indicating his failure to effectively involve teammates in attacking plays.

The search for a new striker is critical for Everton, especially with options like Joshua Zirkzee also being considered. The situation is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding potential signings, including Gabriel Jesus, whose availability is questionable as he recovers from injury. Additionally, the aborted transfer of Ivan Toney leaves the club with limited choices, heightening the urgency to secure an effective forward.

Implications for David Moyes and Everton

As Everton heads into the January transfer window, the club must prioritize addressing its striking issues to improve its league standing. Beto’s current performance clearly illustrates the pressing need for a more clinical forward. If Moyes can secure a player like Ferguson, it may alleviate some of the pressure on the team and enhance their chances of climbing the league table.

The upcoming transfer window presents a pivotal opportunity for Everton to rectify its attacking deficiencies. With critical matches on the horizon, the club’s ability to secure a reliable scorer could significantly influence its prospects this season. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Everton’s transfer strategies and the potential reinforcements that could shift their fortunes on the pitch.