Everton trio Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms slammed as ‘not good enough’ amid transfer verdict
Everton trio Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms have been slammed as “not good enough” by Liverpool Echo journalist Chris Beesley.
He noted that the club’s “paltry” firepower needs to be improved this summer if the Toffees want to avoid another relegation battle.
The Goodison Park outfit have been involved in a Premier League relegation battle for the past two seasons, but have survived on both occasions.
“The sad fact is that with just 34 goals in 38 games, Everton’s paltry firepower might not have been strong enough to light all the candles on Sean Dyche’s cake,” Beesley wrote for the Liverpool Echo, with Dyche celebrating his 52nd birthday on Wednesday (28 June).
“The three recognised centre-forwards within the squad – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms – each contributed just one goal apiece from open play and that’s just not good enough.”
Beesley added that it’s “patently obvious that after the lowest equivalent points total in Everton’s 135-year history in the Football League/Premier League, they require more attacking options if they’re to avoid a third consecutive relegation battle.”
New faces needed
The fact is that Everton need to strengthen in various areas this summer, but it may be the case that signing a top quality striker is the most important issue that is resolved.
The Toffees have just lost the likes of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina at centre-back, with the former returning to parent club Wolves and the latter leaving upon the expiry of his contract.
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has also left, leaving the Toffees short when it comes to the back of the pitch.
But their attacking struggles may worry Dyche the most, with star striker Calvert-Lewin struggling with injury yet again in the most recent campaign.
The forward cannot catch a break, and this summer may be the time that the Toffees decide to call it a day and try to sign a striker capable of both staying fit and more importantly finding the back of the net with ease.
In other Everton news, Chris Sutton has told Toffees boss Dyche to “go and get” one international star this summer.