Everton can record upset win at West Ham United if Sean Dyche recalls Arnaut Danjuma
Everton attacker Arnaut Danjuma may be getting starts sooner rather than later under Sean Dyche but the forward must start on Sunday against West Ham United if they’re to record an upset win.
Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil have been Dyche’s go-to options out wide while James Garner has been deployed there on occasions too this season.
The Dutchman 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.
Former Daily Express journalist Paul Brown told Give Me Sport (27 October) that he’s capable of putting pressure on players ahead of him in the pecking order.
He said: “I would say though, that Danjuma is quite capable of putting some pressure on his rivals for a place in the team and I do think, sooner rather than later, you’ll see him starting the odd game.
“If he can take his chance and prove a goal threat, because that is ultimately what Everton lacks at times, a goal threat, then he might start getting a run.”
Danjuma 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.
In fact, he delivered a rather encouraging cameo when he came on against Liverpool which should have given Dyche food for thought ahead of their game against West Ham on Sunday.
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.
His explosive pace and dribbling skills make him a dynamic winger who can take on defenders, stretch the opposition’s defence and create goal-scoring opportunities. McNeil quite simply does not offer the same threat on that left flank and is only known for his crossing.
This flair and creativity in the final third can inject new life into Everton’s attacking play and Dyche can undoubtedly look to make the most out of it in East London, with the Toffees desperately needing a result.
With so much riding on the former Burnley boss’ future at Goodison Park, he could well be considered out-of-his-depth should he fail to start Danjuma again.
Danjuma is a multi-functional and proven goal threat, as seen during his time at Villarreal.
Throughout his career, Danjuma has proven a reliable source of goals and assists, the same can’t be said of McNeil in that respect and it is why Dyche must axe the latter if Everton are to not record an upset at the London Stadium but to also have a chance of exceeding expectations this season.
In other Everton news, Graeme Souness blasts Everton as “basket case” after recent developments.