The lack of threat upfront is a deepening concern for Everton, with both of our victories under Sean Dyche coming courtesy of a single goal scored by a defender. James Tarkowski’s header sealed the points against Arsenal, and Seamus Coleman’s superb effort was enough to earn three points against Leeds United.
Those two strikes now mean that Everton’s defence have scored as many goals as the club’s forward line have scored all season. We cannot rely on Dominic Calvert-Lewin to remain fit, nor can we rely on the toothless Neal Maupay.
While it may be unorthodox, as our defenders have stepped in for our goal-shy strikers this season, perhaps there is one defender who we could transform into a makeshift centre-forward.
Dyche could utilise Keane to bring goals back to Everton
Michael Keane has been a peripheral figure at the club this season, making just one Premier League appearance since the start of the campaign. Prior to that however, he was a regular in Everton’s starting XI since his £30m arrival from Burnley.
Indeed, the 30-year-old has been something of a defensive liability during his time at the Blues, and was linked with a move away from Goodison Park throughout the January transfer window, with a summer exit looking likely.
However, the centre-back often posed a threat from set pieces and has scored nine Premier League goals in 162 appearances. Indeed, his proclivity to head home from a corner will be something that the Everton boss is already familiar with, as Keane scored seven times in 90 league games for Burnley while working under Dyche.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
With few options in attack, and fewer still on the bench, perhaps Keane could be utilised as an impact substitute, coming on late on in games when we desperately need a goal.
While it may be uncommon in today’s game, such a tactic was fairly commonplace at one time, with Everton’s legendary centre-back Derek Mountfield used in such a way throughout the 1980’s.
Everton’s options are extremely limited, but Keane is strong in the air, and has an eye for goal, and so could provide a short-term solution. The former England international has caused chaos in his own penalty area on many occasions as an Everton player, perhaps he could do so in the opposition’s box as well.