Beto and £11.5m signing - Three Everton players with a point to prove
Beto is among several Everton players looking to nail down their place in David Moyes' first-choice XI this season.
The Scot has several new arrivals at his disposal, with Jack Grealish set to be the latest to arrive at The Hill Dickinson Stadium after a loan deal was agreed with Manchester City.
Moyes will be hoping to build on the strong turnaround he oversaw after his return in January, with Everton fans wanting a return to the Premier League top half for the first time since the 2018/19 season.
Goodison News have picked out three players with a point to prove at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Beto set for another battle up front
Beto had to wait for his chance up front for Everton, often forced to sit behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the two years since his arrival from Udinese.
But Moyes' return coincided with a starting role for the striker, who scored seven in the season's final 16 Premier League games, with 10 in total in the last campaign.
Calvert-Lewin's departure may have convinced Beto that his spot is secure, but Everton have looked to restore that competition with the £27million signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal.
| Thierno Barry | La Liga 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 4 |
The Frenchman enjoyed a strong year in La Liga last season and will hope to earn a starting role in the Premier League.
Beto must, once again, prove his ability to Moyes, if he wants to continue to be the Scot's main man going forward.
Nathan Patterson must prove his ability
The three and a half years since Nathan Patterson's arrival have been rife with injuries for the defender.
Last season was no different, but the Scot was often left on the bench even when he was fit enough to start, with centre-back Jake O'Brien preferred.
And the story in pre-season has been much of the same, with the Irishman's defensive security favoured by Moyes.
- Nathan Patterson has made just 59 appearances for Everton since his arrival in January 2022
Patterson has just two years remaining on his contract at The Hill Dickinson Stadium, and it is time for the 23-year-old to show why Everton spent £11.5m on him.
Another bit-part season could see an end to the Scot's time in the Premier League.
James Garner must see off Everton veteran
Last season, James Garner's return from injury saw him paired with Idrissa Gueye for much of the remaining season, with Carlos Alcaraz usually selected to appear in front.
But the arrivals of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish have changed things. Both players are expected to feature in Moyes' first-choice XI, with the remaining midfield roles suddenly congested.
- Garner was signed from Manchester United for £15m in 2022
Garner played well towards the end of the season, but the challenge of Toffees veteran Gueye for the deepest midfield role will be strong.
The former Manchester United talent must now prove that he is capable of taking on the Senegal international's mantle to become Everton's midfield orchestrator.
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