Sean Dyche told to make Youseff Chermiti decision for Everton showdown v Sheffield United
Everton manager Sean Dyche has been told to test a striker combination of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Youseff Chermiti by Michael Ball for the remainder of the season.
The Portuguese striker has enjoyed a slow first campaign at Goodison Park, only making one start in the Premier League and facing some criticism having failed to score or assist in 18 appearances in all competitions.
With the Toffees’ place in the Premier League now secured, Liverpool Echo pundit Reid has urged Dyche to hand the teenager a consistent first-team opportunity suggesting this is the best time to see if he’s up to the standard.
Writing for the Liverpool Echo (7 May) he said: “With tactics, we have seen that Dyche has stuck with the same approach for most of the campaign. He has a small squad and has needed results, so that is understandable.
“But again, maybe this is a chance just to look at whether there is a Plan B available within the squad he currently has. Is there a way that 4-4-2 could work? Could Youssef Chermiti, who I think has shown some nice touches in recent matches, play off Dominic Calvert-Lewin? This is the best time to find out.”
Will Sean Dyche start Youseff Chermiti for Everton against Sheffield United?
The Toffees don’t have loads of depth when it comes to the attacking areas of the field and therefore there has been a reliance on the goals of Calvert-Lewin in recent seasons to get results and avoid the drop.
While Beto has been a reasonable deputy this term, he doesn’t appear to be the consistent back-up to the England international and that has left the door open for Chermiti to secure his place in this Everton side.
He may not be perfect and he has made more than a few errors in his brief tenure on Merseyside, but he is young and still learning his trade. Games against Sheffield United and Arsenal could be the best test of his ability and readiness.
There have already been suggestions that the striker could leave Goodison on loan during the summer transfer window. That isn’t confirmed yet and a good couple of weeks at the end of the campaign may help him dodge an early exit.
In other Everton news, a new stumbling block has emerged in 777 Partners takeover at Goodison Park after another deadline was missed
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