Everton: Sean Dyche is wasting Arnaut Danjuma amid bright cameo v Liverpool
Sean Dyche is wasting Arnaut Danjuma on the Everton bench and must give him more game time after his bright cameo in the Merseyside derby.
When the Villarreal loanee trotted onto the Anfield turf after 80 minutes, the story of the game was already written. A contentious red card and a handball in the box were enough to get the Reds an unsurprising victory.
The Dutchman must have been keen to get on the pitch and make a difference. With just 369 minutes of Premier League football this season, Dyche has not given him a huge chance, but considering the struggles up top, it is shocking why he hasn’t seen the field more.
Danjuma always seems eager to play and gives 100 per cent whenever he’s featured. Being called a “nutcase” by his own agent is indicative of the passion he has for the game, and Dyche would be smart to utilise this for Everton more.
He has been afforded just four starting opportunities in the league this season, including the unfortunate defeat to Wolves, their 2-2 draw to Sheffield United where he scored and their defeat to Arsenal.
He has not looked poor from the bench or when starting. Per FBRef, he has earned 2.41 shot-creating actions per 90, 3.86 shots per 90 and 16 overall shots – the joint most in the Everton squad with Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Toffees are making the chances and Danjuma’s finishing can certainly improve, but his exciting cameo in the Merseyside derby surely must have caught Dyche’s eye.
He pressed Harvey Elliot outside the box, forcing him into a shot. While Elliot did manage to muster an excellent shot, the Dutchman’s defensive work forced him into a quick decision.
He also displayed some excellent dribbling, ball retention and progressive play. Across 90 minutes, the 26-year-old could have had a significant say in the game. He offers plenty of pace that could have been ideal for Everton’s counter-attacking tactics.
Per SofaScore, he managed two dribbles in ten minutes – the third most of all the Everton squad below Dwight McNeil (three) and Doucoure (four). Danjuma also won both his attempted ground duels, but his impact could not be felt.
Dyche will have some big decisions to make ahead of the Toffees’ clash against West Ham, but Danjuma has to be on the cards to return to the starting 11.
In other Everton news, Richard Keys has slammed Craig Pawson over a controversial moment in the Merseyside derby.