By Joe Roberts
Everton have ended their summer business and the squad is set for yet another challenging Premier League season. Sean Dyche’s side knew what issues needed to be addressed from last season, and their activity in the market has reflected it.
His main goal was to sure up the front line. The Toffees ended last season with the second-lowest goals scored in the league while none of their players hit double digits, with Dwight McNeil’s seven topping the list.
But with the Premier League now back in full swing, the Goodison Park faithful have had the chance to see (almost) all their new boys in action. While the opening fixtures have been tough, a convincing display in a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United on Saturday (2 September) left fans feeling much more optimistic heading into the international break.
There is a lot of football left to play this season, but based on initial impressions, some incoming have impressed more than others.
Here, Goodison News rates all the Toffees’ summer signings out of 10 below…
Beto – 9
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The new big man up top has given a very convincing account of himself so far at Everton. He clinched a debut goal in the EFL Cup against Doncaster Rovers to help his side avoid an embarrassing early exit. He took his goal with great confidence, while his arrowing run caused the backline all sorts of issues.
While it is easy to do it against the then-bottom of League Two, he showed similar intelligence against the Blades. Dyche clearly saw enough from Beto’s debut to reward him with his first start, and the 25-year-old did not disappoint despite not scoring.
His six successful dribbles were the most by a single player in a game in the Premier League so far, while his four shots, nine successful ground duels and one big chance created showed that he can have a big impact on a game without bagging himself. [SofaScore]
DEBUT GOAL FOR BETO! 👏
A lovely run and finish levels the game for Everton 🔵 pic.twitter.com/nPLqiNWn8L
He covers plenty of ground too. Despite being a centre-forward, he held possession across the front line and consistently found himself in pockets of space. If he can keep up this kind of form across the season, Dyche may have a game-change on his hands.
Arnaut Danjuma – 7
Another attacking signing that has proved a true influence. While he did not start the season in scintillating form, he has improved with every performance in an Everton shirt.
He also got his first goal for the Toffees against Doncaster, but also got off the mark in the league getting the equalising goal against the Blades to secure his new side their first point on the board.
His close control on the ball makes reclaiming possession very difficult for the opposition, as seen with his Doncaster strike, while he thrives when cutting in from the left flank and making a cross or having a shot on goal.
To improve, Toffees fans will want to see him take more shots. He can be lethal but with just 3.5 average shots per game, he has the ability to prove even more effective. He needs to capitalise more on his chances too, having missed three big chances this season already. But as he continues to bed into the side, it would be expected that his goal tally increases with regular minutes. [SofaScore]
Ashley Young – 6
A solid veteran who looks to be bringing his Aston Villa form to Merseyside. While Young was never expected to set the world on fire at Everton, he has shown the experience and professionalism that has seen him remain a relevant top-flight player at the ripe age of 38.
He hasn’t quite been the attacking threat that he was at Villa, but 1.8 key passes per 90 is still significant while the Toffees need his defensive ability much more than his forward play. Dyche has put immediate faith in Young and started him in all Premier League fixtures so far this season. [SofaScore]
His assist for Beto’s Cup goal proved the difference maker in that tie and his defensive solidity has saved the Toffees at times. While the defence is clearly a key issue for the club, with eight goals already conceded this season, Young will have a big influence on the likes of 21-year-old Nathan Patterson and hopefully improve the defence over the course of the season.
Youssef Chermiti – 4
It is, of course, far too early to judge the 19-year-old. His impact was not expected until later in the season, perhaps even next season. However, Dyche’s project has not made a good account of himself in his brief appearances so far.
He has only made two appearances for the Toffees, a first-half appearance for the Toffees against Doncaster where he was swapped for Beto at halftime in the Cup and a cameo against Wolves.
While no one was expecting a game-changing performance, fans would have expected a little bit more from the £15million man against League Two opposition.
He seemed to really struggle on the ball and had a tough time making any chances for himself as he rarely had the chance to do something in possession. Everton would not have got him for no reason, and there is plenty of time for Chermiti to change his fortunes, but it has not been a great start.
Jack Harrison – N/A
The loanee is yet to make an appearance for Everton as he continues his recovery from injury, so he can’t be fairly assessed yet. However, the Goodison Park faithful have a little secret weapon behind the scenes that gives Dyche extra ammunition later on this season.
In other Everton news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on a wantaway Toffees star.