Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Tue 14 April 2026 14:10, UK

Everton miss having a focal point like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but it was the right call for David Moyes to move on from the striker.

However, Everton need more from Beto and Thierno Barry if they want to qualify for Europe and kick on up the Premier League table next season.

Many football fans remember what Calvert-Lewin did for Everton between 2019 and 21 as the forward scored 36 goals in two seasons.

But a return of 71 goals in 273 games highlights how the England international struggled for consistency at the Merseyside outfit, with injuries taking over.

Everton signed Barry as a replacement, but he is now second choice behind Beto, a much-maligned figure at the Toffees, so they may need to be patient or invest again this summer.

Everton’s ongoing striker problems

In Leeds’ 2-1 win at Manchester United on Monday, Calvert-Lewin showed the best and worst parts of his game. He was a right nuisance in the air and with his hold-up play, but he missed some gilt-edged chances at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old has outscored Beto and Barry this season, but when it comes to their respective Expected Goals (xG) tallies, the former Everton man is behind the eight ball.

In Calvert-Lewin’s last four seasons at Everton, he scored just 18 goals.

Last season, he netted three times from an xG of 6.75. It was right that his time with the Toffees ended, but Moyes may still need a better centre-forward to lead his line going forward.

What the Scot wouldn’t do to have the likes of former charges Yakubu, Louis Saha, Michail Antonio or even a Tim Cahill in their pomp fronting Everton’s attack right now.

Beto – who joined in 2023 for £25.75m – isn’t really the type of attacker to rough up defences, despite his stature, and while Barry may have that capability at 6ft 5in, the jury is out on him for the time being.

Barry, 23, started the season as first choice after his £27million move from Villarreal last summer, but now Beto is number one, with four goals in his last five league games.

Everton spent nearly £53m on the duo, but few would say they have been success stories.

The 28-year-old can be frustratingly inconsistent, but for now, it’s working. Longer term, though, Everton may need to return to this matter again.

David Moyes working his Everton magic again

Moyes returned for a second spell at Everton in January 2025, as he replaced Sean Dyche after his tenure turned sour.

The ex-West Ham boss led Everton to 13th last season, and with six games to go, they are just one point shy of last term’s points total (48).

Next up, the Toffees entertain rivals, Liverpool, for the first time at Hill Dickinson Stadium as they try to keep their European hopes alive.

Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Moyes for his stellar efforts at Everton, who sit eighth in the table, just behind seventh-placed Brentford on goal difference.

They are trying to return to Europe for the first time since 2018. If anyone can achieve that goal, Moyes can, even with these strikers.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.