Opinion

Sean Dyche could turn draws into wins by starting ‘dangerous’ Everton youngster vs Nottingham Forest

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Everton were unable to keep a clean sheet on Boxing Day, but they were able to find the back of the net in their draw against Manchester City.

Sean Dyche’s side remain outside of the bottom three despite what looked like a seriously daunting December on paper.

That defeat at the start of the month against Manchester United will be looking even more frustrating now having taken points off Arsenal, Chelsea and City since.

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However, there is still a glaring issue at Everton with the Blues struggling to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.

Iliman Ndiaye scored a stunning effort at the Etihad on Boxing Day, but there was a real lack of composure from some other players during the second half.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been criticised a lot this season, and his performances are failing to show any real upturn in form.

Manchester City FC v Everton FC - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Sean Dyche needs to hand Armando Broja an Everton start

Having failed to provide Everton much going forward, Dyche replaced Calvert-Lewin with summer signing Armando Broja with 20 minutes remaining.

Broja has admitted he’s ready to start for Everton following his recent cameo appearance against Arsenal just over a week ago.

But the Albania international is still biding his time from the bench having returned from a fairly serious injury.

During his 20 minutes on the pitch against City, Broja was able to cause the reigning champions something to worry about up front.

Dyche has admitted Broja could start in weeks gone by, but now it feels like it is time for the 23-year-old to be in from the start.

Next up for Everton is a game at home against Nottingham Forest who will provide the Toffees with another challenge after their bright start to the campaign.

Everton need to prepare for life after Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Alongside his dismal return of scoring just twice this season, there is also a big question hanging over Calvert-Lewin’s future on Merseyside.

Calvert-Lewin has not signed a new Everton contract with his current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign.

With no indication towards inking a new contract, Everton surely have to consider their options beyond the Englishman.

Broja is only on loan until the end of the campaign and Everton are yet to really get a look at the Albanian yet.

And when the youngster came on, he caused City issues straight away with their players clinging on to him as he looked to start attacks.

Broja’s previous manager Ralph Hasenhuttl told BBC Sport how ‘dangerous’ the striker was during his time with Southampton.

Now feels like the right time to make the change up front for Dyche with Calvert-Lewin having now had more than enough opportunities to prove himself in the starting XI.