Michael Ball reveals the thing Sean Dyche does at Everton that ‘frustrates’ him

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Everton need all the help they can get if they are to achieve safety for a third successive season, against all the odds.

After all, this represents their greatest challenge yet, to topple not just the other teams embroiled in their relegation clash, but also the Premier League that has deducted them ten points, and counting…

Sean Dyche has earned a lot of plaudits for his work in progressing the club, and rightly so, but there do remain a few fragilities that can often be glaring.

He is far from perfect, but right now he is doing the job magnificently for Everton.

That being said, pundit and former Premier League defender Michael Ball has now recommended a small change that he could make which could revolutionise one element of his team.

It is so minor that the fact it has still not been solved has left him frustrated.

What does Sean Dyche do that frustrates Michael Ball?

Writing for the Liverpool ECHO, just hours after he had issued a rallying cry to the players being forced to endure such mental turmoil, he has clearly now turned his attention to the manager and what he might do to come out of this situation unscathed.

Having referenced his work in making their corners so effective, Ball’s piece of advice relates to a similar set-piece situation that they could be making more of.

He prefaced his fury by praising their direct style, noting: ‘This approach has been effective, but there is room for improvement when opportunities do not immediately materialise. 

‘One thing that I have noticed is when one of these attacks leads to a throw-in in the opposition half, we very rarely make the most of it. This surprises and frustrates me.’

The former Everton full-back then claimed: ‘I also understand most players don’t like standing around the training pitch doing set pieces for hours on end through the week but without trying to sound like Roy Keane, it is their job! 

‘It’s part of the game and it is an opportunity. Small details can make the difference and I believe this area needs improvement as soon as possible.’

Marginal gains are important for Everton

As a side lacking quality, every little helps for Everton.

Whether that be attention to detail on the corners, or taking a little extra time to perfect their defensive shape, these are the marginal gains that will push a team forward and capture those few extra points that can prove pivotal.

So, Ball’s notion is actually a very valid one, as I myself have been left chuckling at just how abysmal we are from throw-ins.

If Andre Gomes is not on the field, there is absolutely nobody who offers for the ball and accepts it like he does. Not Amadou Onana. Not Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Nobody.

This leaves the Toffees severely blunted when the ball does go out, as it essentially surrenders possession. There is only so far that pumping the ball into channels can take you without needing a little extra quality.

If this was to be perfected, which likely would not take too long, the amount of opportunities forged would likely skyrocket.

These are the tiny details that Dyche needs to perfect if he is to earn success with a side that, despite additional investment, is still decidedly weak even if their recent form has impressed.