Sean Dyche names the two Everton players who really impressed him vs West Ham

Add as preferred source on Google

Despite Everton’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday, manager Sean Dyche was pleased with the performances of two players.

Having let a one-goal lead slip, Everton remain in the relegation dogfight and are left rueing several big chances.

The Toffees had the chance to put themselves eight points clear of the drop zone, but their profligate nature kicked in, something that has plagued them all season.

Though, despite initial frustrations at his side’s wastefulness, Dyche praised the performances of Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure following the match.

Sean Dyche full of praise for Beto

Beto, who saw his 45th-minute penalty saved by Alphonse Areola, managed to net only his second Premier League goal of the season in the second half, heading home James Garner’s wicked curling cross.

The Portuguese forward’s endeavour paid off and Dyche was pleased with his efforts and for sticking in there.

Speaking after the game, Dyche told evertontv: “He (Beto) stuck at it. I’m pleased with his performance. He has missed a penalty but he’s been brave, he’s stuck at it. He keeps getting in the box, keeps trying to score a goal.

“I’m pleased with his freedom to score a goal because it was a great header, great ball in it must be said, but he’s still got to finish it.”

The Everton boss was quick to note that he only brought him off due to his tiring legs: “We only removed him from the pitch because he was fatigued.”

Sean Dyche needs more players like Abdoulaye Doucoure

As well as Beto, Dyche also singled out Abdoulaye Doucoure and praised his willingness to make an impact in the attacking phase.

“Douc as well. He’s always looking to change the game and step on. He is one that we have known and we do know, he will try and score a goal and we need more of that,” the 52-year-old said.

Doucoure is Everton’s top goal scorer this season with six, which is an impressive tally for a player who often operates in midfield.

Though, the 31-year-old has played as a second striker in the last three games, proving Dyche’s belief in his ability to sniff out a goal.

The Toffees can’t purely rely upon their forwards, who have largely struggled for much of the campaign, they must take accountability across the pitch.

The two wingers on either side, Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil, must be willing to make those gut-busting runs into dangerous areas, just like Doucoure has shown a willingness to do.