Stephen Warnock shares Beto verdict after Everton transfer
Beto has not been a clinical striker for Everton so far this season gives Everton a crucial “focal point”, according to Stephen Warnock.
Speaking live on BBC Football Focus (23 September, 16:46), the pundit noted the Toffees’ ability to create chances this season but criticised the £26millon man’s lack of threat on goal.
The former Udinese forward is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League this season, with Warnock warning Everton that performances must improve.
Warnock said: “They are a team that have been up and down so far this season. Against Fulham and Wolves, they created plenty of opportunities, but they can’t score.
“They bring Beto in and suddenly you think there’s something up front to build from. I don’t think he’s clinical in a way, but what he does give you is a focal point, but they’ve got to be more than that and it’s vitally important that they pick up points.”
More needed
Bright sparks and key moments have been all Beto has shown Everton fans in the Premier League this season.
His League Cup goal against Doncaster Rovers showed that he is certainly not a write-off, but if the Toffees want to get away from the relegation zone, the Portuguese striker must improve.
Even amid their financial troubles, Farhad Moshiri managed to splash a huge fee on Beto following his 10-goal haul in Serie A last season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury issues have forced him in and out of the side, so Sean Dyche will be looking to Beto to become more of a force in Everton’s front line.
There have been convincing signs in his first three games for his new club, but the stats serve to prove Warnock’s claim that more is needed.
Per FBRef, Beto has mustered just 0.3 expected goals in the Premier League this season, below the likes of Neal Maupay and even centre-back James Tarkowski. He is yet to register a shot on target, while Villarreal loanee Arnaut Danjuma has shown him up massively with 6 on-target attempts.
In Beto’s defence, he has not played as much football as his Everton teammates, completing just 1.7 90s so far and will need time to settle into the new league and adjust to the physical Premier League.
He makes a nuisance of himself to opposition defences and drags defenders away creating shooting chances, but the early signs are not ideal.
In other Everton news, a big name Toffees player has been tipped to never play for the club again.