Everton manager David Moyes has challenged midfield duo Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to contribute more goals.
The Toffees’ issues in the striking department are no secret, with Beto and Barry struggling for form.
Indeed, Moyes is looking for more goals from other areas of the pitch to compensate, throwing down the gauntlet to our creative midfielders.
Iliman Ndiaye was Everton’s top scorer last season with 11 goals. The Senegalese international has four so far this campaign.
The 25-year-old is by far the club’s biggest threat, but with AFCON approaching, goals must come from elsewhere.
Moyes said: “Ili’s done really well for us with his goals, he’s come up with the goods, but we need some of the other boys to do so as well.”
He continued: “I think Kiernan can certainly finish and he looks the most likely. He can score and he’s technically very gifted.
“Jack, I want to score more. I want him to be more creative as well.
“He’s still probably up there with the top assists but he probably had those in the first six games or so. I’m looking for Jack to get back on that thing of creating and assisting, but also scoring a couple of goals would be good as well.”
MOYES MUST FIND GOALS FROM SOMEWHERE
In 10 games this season, Grealish has four assists. However, he would have more were our forwards up to scratch.
His only goal of the season so far was the dramatic late winner against Crystal Palace last month.
Meanwhile, Dewsbury-Hall has two assists and one goal, a smart left-footed drive in the 3-2 win at Molyneux.
The 27-year-old scored what appeared to be a perfectly good goal against Fulham a fortnight ago, only for the officials to intervene.
Both players have been impressive since their summer arrival and seem to have quickly settled at Everton.
However, Moyes’ side needs goals, and with Ndiaye unavailable for at least a month, others will need to step up.
Hopefully they can both add to their goal tally against United this evening.
