The Ongoing Striker Saga at Everton
As Everton gears up to face Tottenham at Hill Dickinson Stadium this Sunday, the excitement of an undefeated start in their new home is palpable. With three wins and two draws this season, fans are optimistic. Yet looming over this success is a glaring question mark: who will fill the crucial striker role that has been a persistent issue since Romelu Lukaku's departure in 2017?
Indeed, the Blues have signed 17 strikers over the last decade, accumulating a staggering cost of almost £160 million. Yet, the results have been a mixed bag at best. It begs the question: why hasn't Everton found a reliable option in this pivotal position?
“Finding a consistent goal-scoring striker is arguably the toughest task in modern football.”
The Problem Position: A Closer Look
Since Lukaku's sale, Everton has scored only 357 Premier League goals—the fewest of any continuously present club. In stark contrast, Leicester City managed 388 goals during the same time frame, despite spending two years in the Championship. This glaring statistic demonstrates the profound difficulty Everton faces in finding a suitable striker.
Recent matches reflect ongoing struggles. Manager David Moyes often finds himself changing strikers at half-time, a clear indication of dissatisfaction with performance. In a recent victory against Crystal Palace, Beto was praised for his impact, but thrown into the mix was criticism for his missed opportunities—like a close-range header that could have sealed the match instead of leading to a stoppage-time winner for the opposition.
So far this season, Everton's two principal strikers have netted just one goal between them in 16 Premier League appearances. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for improvement in front of goal.
Two Key Players in Focus
Let's dive deeper into the performances of Barry and Beto, the two players spearheading Everton's attacking line. Thierno Barry, a summer signing from Villarreal, scored 11 goals in La Liga last season, yet his transition to the Premier League has seen him struggle to find his footing. At just 22, Barry is raw talent who requires time and patience to develop.
On the other hand, Beto's journey has been more turbulent. He joined the club for £21.5m but has left fans conflicted. Moments of brilliance—like a crucial five-goal haul last February—are often marred by frustrating mistakes, including a glaring miss against Manchester City. Beto epitomizes the conundrum facing this club: potential without consistency.
“Beto's story is one of high hopes and heartbreak, demonstrating the struggle to perform at this level.”
Replacing 'Big Rom'
When Lukaku departed, he left an indelible mark, having netted 68 goals during his time at the club, firmly establishing himself as Everton's leading scorer. No forward since has approached that level. For instance, Oumar Niasse, despite being touted as a promising striker, managed only eight goals over his tenure, and his goals-to-minute ratio pales in comparison.
The Transition of Management
Everton's managerial instability—nine permanent bosses in the last 12 years—has compounded the issue, making it harder for strikers to settle. Each managerial change often brings a different tactical philosophy, leading to confusion and inconsistency for players in key roles. Strikers like Cenk Tosun and Moise Kean were seen as high-potential signings but floundered due to lack of proper integration into the team. Short-term signings have frequently backfired, leading to a revolving door of players unable to establish themselves.
A Look Ahead: Will January Bring Change?
Looking forward, Everton's financial struggles have severely limited their options in the transfer market. Achieving a profit from player trading is commendable, but at the cost of securing top-tier talent. However, after a summer of significant investment, the question looms: will they target a truly impactful striker come January? The right addition could be pivotal if Everton harbors ambitions of returning to European football or claiming a first trophy since 1995.
In conclusion, as fans rally behind their side this weekend, it's crucial to remember that while the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the potential for breakthrough is not lost. The lessons learned over the past decade should, ideally, serve as a blueprint for future success. Only time will reveal if Everton can finally solve their long-standing striker dilemma.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/crmxz2lpxr8o
