Michael Ball urges Everton to unleash 'different animal' Beto v Arsenal

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Published on:

12 Sep 2023, 1:40 pm

Former Everton left-back Michael Ball has urged Sean Dyche to start "different animal" Beto against Arsenal in order to surprise the opposition.

Summer signing Beto has made two appearances for Everton, scoring once, since joining from Udinese last month in a deal worth up to £30million.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to return from injury for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday [17 September], but Ball would stick with Beto up top.

"I'd be happy for Beto start against Arsenal," Ball wrote in his Liverpool Echo column [12 September]. "He's showed enough.

"He's new for the opposition so might have that element of surprise and that's what we have lacked for many seasons.

"Beto's a different animal to Calvert-Lewin and that will cause Arsenal problems."

Selection dilemma

After marking his debut as a substitute against Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup with a goal, Beto was handed his full debut before the international break.

The Portuguese forward was unable to make it two goals in two games, but he otherwise impressed in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Sheffield United.

Beto had four shots and played one key pass at Bramall Lane [WhoScored], while his six dribbles - beating a player while retaining possession of the ball - was five more than any other Everton player.

That is the "different animal" Ball is referring to, and it may well cause Arsenal's centre-backs a problem at Goodison Park.

It will surely be hugely tempting for Dyche to turn to Calvert-Lewin assuming he is ready to play a part, but Beto might just be the better option from the start.

Either way, it is just nice to finally have a selection dilemma of sorts in that area of the pitch.

In other Everton news, a player who departed Goodison Park this summer has caused a stir with his latest comments.

Michael Ball

Arsenal

Beto