Graham Ruthven: Written off as a flop, could Beto be the solution to Everton’s centre forward problems?

January is an opportunity for struggling teams to strengthen. Not for Everton, though. While several Premier League sides have been busy in the transfer window, the Toffees have sat on their hands. David Moyes has admitted his jealousy at some of the signings being made by his rivals as Everton have failed to make a single permanent addition.

Had Moyes had his pick of the market, a new centre forward surely would have been his priority. Everton have struggled for firepower this season with Dominic Calvert-Lewin once again sidelined through injury. However, another striker already on the books at Goodison Park could be the solution to Everton’s attacking problems. Beto was impressive as Everton claimed a valuable 4-0 win over Leicester City on Saturday.

Indeed, the Guinea-Bissau international scored twice and gave the Toffees the sort of centre forward presence they have missed for much of the 2024/25 campaign, more than making up for the absence of Calvert-Lewin. “I’m really pleased for Beto because I’m only just getting to know him,” said Moyes about Beto’s performance against Leicester. “He’s probably felt it’s been difficult for him. We need someone to score goals – we’re short on centre forwards and losing Dom was a big blow – he came in and took his goals very well.”

Beto's stats against Leicester:Touches – 35Goals – 2Shots – 2On target – 2Successful passes – 14Successful attacking third passes – 6Pass accuracy – 70%Recoveries – 2Ground duels won – 2Successful tackles – 2Shots blocked – 1Clearances – 1#EFC #EVELEI

— EFC Statto (@EFC_Statto) February 1, 2025

Signed for €30m from Udinese 18 months ago, Beto had been written off as a flop. He found the back of the net just three times in 30 league appearances last season and looked out of his depth after making the move from Serie A. It was even reported that he might have been moved on in the January transfer window. Against Leicester, though, Beto demonstrated the qualities that attracted Everton to him in the first place. He played on the shoulder of the last defender, giving his teammates an outlet with his movement in behind.

This was most evident for the second goal he scored, when James Garner picked out the 27-year-old with a pass from deep. Not renowned for being the sharpest of finishers in front of goal, the aplomb with which Beto converted past Jakub Stolarczyk was notable. Moyes’ appointment has emboldened several players within the Everton squad and Beto is among them by the looks of things. He played with newfound confidence on Saturday.

Were it not for Everton’s PSR restrictions, the club surely would have made a bigger splash in the January window. ““It’s certainly not for the want of trying,” said Moyes when asked about the lack of new signings with Brazilian midfielder Carlos Alcaraz set to be the only addition – and he’s only signing on loan. “I’m really jealous of watching a lot of teams who can attempt to go for players at expensive prices.” Moyes will have to work with what he already has, but in Beto he has a player whose potential remains unfulfilled. At Udinese, the Guinea-Bissau international was a force of nature, giving the Serie A outfit a focal point in the attacking third.

He looked ready to make the switch to the Premier League, but played for a manager with little interest in playing to his strengths. Under Sean Dyche, Beto was asked to win crosses in the air. He was asked to play with his back to goal. Moyes, however, wants to get him through on goal as often as possible. He wants Beto to get on his bike and enter the box with the ball at his feet. Beto might not be the big-money striker Moyes ideally would like, but he might be what Everton need right now.

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