Arnaut Danjuma can prove Everton figure right as forward hints at EFL Cup start v Burnley
Arnaut Danjuma looks like he will have an opportunity to properly kickstart his Everton career in the EFL Cup last-16 tie with Burnley on Wednesday (1 November).
The 26-year-old joined on loan from Villarreal in the summer but has has struggled to justify a place in Sean Dyche’s starting line-up.
Either side of netting in back-to-back games against Doncaster Rovers and Sheffield United, Danjuma has not scored or assisted in eight outings.
The majority of those have been substitute appearances, granted, but it is now time for the Netherlands international to step up.
And he is likely to get a chance to do exactly that against fellow Premier League side Burnley at Goodison Park.
Danjuma posted an image on his personal Instagram account earlier on Wednesday (1 November) that suggested he will start the cup tie.
The Liverpool Echo (1 November) also reported that the Dutchman is in line to be recalled to Dyche’s starting line-up, along with fellow attacker Beto.
If that is the case, Danjuma cannot afford to let another game pass by without having a meaningful involvement in the final third.
As per WhoScored, it is now more than three hours of football since Danjuma registered a goal involvement of any sort.
While it is never easy making an impact as a late substitute, the only way he will force his way into the side is by taking these rare chances.
Dyche bigged up Danjuma’s arrival in July, with the Toffees landing their man at the second attempt after he instead opted for Tottenham in January.
As director Kevin Thelwell said at the time, everyone at the club has “full confidence he will show Evertonians what a quality player he is”.
Thelwell pushed hard to bring in the forward and was clearly not put off by the high-profile rejection midway through last season.
Now is the time for Danjuma to show that faith was justified and ensure he is not restricted to cameo appearances for the foreseeable future.
In other Everton news, a New York Times journalist has shared an update on the takeover situation at Goodison Park.