Ellis Simms can be new saviour for Everton in Premier League relegation race
By Richard Bond.
Everton striker Ellis Simms’ late equalising goal in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea could provide the answer that Sean Dyche has been looking for upfront to save the club from relegation this season.
Having fallen behind twice, the Toffees’ resilient qualities helped earn a draw with Simms’ cool 89th-minute equaliser catching the eye and taking the headlines.
Dyche is a keen fan and wants to see more from his young forward after talks led to him scoring his first-ever Premier League goal on the biggest stage.
“He’s still got a lot to improve. He came up in the week actually and asked me – what do you think? I said: ‘Well. What do you think? He gave me four things and I said, ‘you are right’,” Dyche told the Liverpool Echo.
“It’s taking action. These players know the things they have got to do, it is just a strange situation, and they need guidance, someone to say, ‘you are right’ so, therefore, take ownership and do it.”
Unlikely.
Homegrown 23-year-old forward Simms had spent the first part of the season impressing at Championship side Sunderland as the Mackems flirted around the play-off places before the winter break.
Having seen the transfer of Arnaut Danjuma fall through in January and the departure of Frank Lampard from the managerial hot seat, the decision was made to recall the powerful target man back from Stadium of Light early.
With the continued absence of Dominic-Calvert Lewin from the side through a spate of injuries, Simms’ maturity and growth will be pleasing for Dyche as his resolute side gained a point at Stamford Bridge.
Dyche has tried and tested several combinations in his lineup since taking charge at Goodison Park. Midfielder Demarai Gray and out-of-favour Neal Maupay have taken on the lone striking birth without fruition as Everton remain the second-lowest-scoring team in the Premier League.
In Simms, Dyche has a natural target man option more familiar with his direct style of play.
Having experienced a Scottish Cup final in his productive spell at Hearts last season, if Simms’ rapid growth continues, he could be the unlikely hero that can save Everton and help Dyche with his rebuild.