Beto will be laughing at Everton after latest Youssef En-Nesyri reveal
Everton have been heavily linked with a move to sign Youssef En-Nesyri.
David Moyes is being hung out to dry by The Friedkin Group, with the Toffees yet to make a single signing, two weeks into the January transfer window.
Everton have been on the slide for weeks now, and that was only amplified by their FA Cup defeat to Sunderland, where their lack of depth was exposed badly.
Work is needed as a matter of urgency on the recruitment front, with Everton linked with a move to sign En-Nesryi to address their striker issues.
However, things may not be as clear as that.
What would Everton be getting with Youssef En-Nesyri?
En-Nesyri is a player who has emerged with a lot of noise over the last five years, and his goal record is a big reason behind that.
The Morocco international scored 30 goals in 52 appearances for Fenerbahce last season, having scored 20 in 41 appearances for Sevilla the season prior.
En-Nesyri’s best campaigns throughout his career.
- 2024-25 – 52 appearances, 35 goal contributions
- 2020-21 – 52 appearances, 24 goal contributions
- 2023-24 – 41 appearances, 22 goal contributions
- 2022-23 – 48 appearances, 19 goal contributions
Immediately, that suggests that an upgrade is on the cards at Everton, but it is far from as straightforward as that.
His numbers may suggest that Everton would be getting a prolific goalscorer, but a closer look at the 28-year-old suggests they would be getting a far more limited fit.
En-Nesyri’s strengths are apparent, but very narrow. He’s a target man forward who thrives on service, as opposed to ever actually providing it.
That is demonstrated by the fact that En-Nesyri averages just 0.3 chances created per game, and a woeful 0.1 dribbles per game, according to Sofascore.
En-Nesyri will not be someone who links play together or brings the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish into the game. When Everton have their backs to the wall – which is a common occurrence this season – that matters.
As someone who offers very little in a transitional sense, you would assume his numbers aerially are outstanding, but again, that is not the case.
With a success rate of 43 per cent, his aerial presence is hardly dominant and is actually lower than Beto’s 47.9 per cent.
Beto’s time at Everton will be extended if En-Nesyri signs
Beto has not been good for Everton; there’s no reason to sugarcoat it.
However, his stats surrounding general play are still better than those of En-Nesyri, despite the fact that he is already playing in the Premier League.
En-Nesyri’s limitations away from goalscoring could actually preserve Beto’s relevance on Merseyside. In matches where the Toffees struggle to progress the ball, Moyes may still turn to Beto’s physicality and unpredictability, as frustrating as that can be.
Per game, Beto averages more chances created, more completed dribbles, more touches in the penalty area, and a higher duel win rate.
His arrival would not solve the long-standing attacking issues at Everton, nor would it spell the end for Beto.
If these frailties are to be addressed, Everton need to sign a complete striker, and En-Nesyri simply isnt the one that fits the bill.
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