Former Everton defender Michael Ball has called on Sean Dyche to include Beto in his starting XI against Arsenal.
Everton paid £26 million to sign striker Beto from Udinese in the recent summer transfer window, and the Portuguese forward has made a bright start to life at Goodison Park.
The 25-year-old made his debut for the Toffees in an EFL Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers, and was able to mark the occasion with a goal. Beto then made his Premier League bow when Sean Dyche included him in the Everton starting XI tasked with facing Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Beto impressed against the Blades, as Everton were able to secure their first point of the Premier League season with a 2-2 draw. However, the Merseyside outfit face a tougher test on Sunday when they will host Arsenal.
Whilst Everton have a good recent record when playing the Gunners at home, Dyche will know his side go into the fixture as underdogs. Despite this, he will be holding out hope that his team can pull off an upset, as long as they get their game plan right.
Ball calls for Beto
Michael Ball believes that Beto needs to be central to any plan that Dyche has for this match. Writing in the Liverpool Echo, the former left-back said, “I’d be happy for Beto start against Arsenal, 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.”
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Beto’s power and physicality could certainly test the Arsenal rearguard. However, the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes could be a match for the £50,000-a-week attacker in open play. Beto will need to make sure that he puts his 6’4” frame to good use in set piece situations.
Ball is correct to demand that Beto should start against Arsenal. Everton have looked like a significantly more dangerous side with him spearheading the attack. However, he ought not to be judged on how he fares against the Gunners. The pressure will be on when he needs to perform against the kinds of opposition that Dyche is relying on Everton to beat to secure their Premier League survival this season.