Everton’s acquisition of Beto from Udinese over a year ago was supposed to be a statement of intent. Signed on a four-year deal and backed by a promising debut goal in the EFL Cup, Beto’s arrival initially brought hope to a fanbase desperate for a reliable striker. But after 15 months, with just two wins and a mere 10 goals from nine games in the 2024/25 Premier League season, the narrative has become more complicated. Now, there’s growing concern about whether Beto is settling in or contemplating moving on.

A Striker with Untapped Potential

Beto has shown glimpses of what he can bring to Everton’s frontline. His blend of power, speed, and aggressive play offers something few other forwards in the squad possess. However, Everton’s “safety-first” approach under Sean Dyche often limits Beto’s chances, prioritizing defensive structure and discipline. With Everton averaging only 9 shots per game and a conversion rate of 12%, Beto’s direct style could provide the spark needed — if he’s given the time to grow into his role.

Unlike the precision of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto is instinctive and bold, evoking memories of Everton strikers like Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell. He has the tenacity that Evertonians have long valued, but that tenacity can only shine if Dyche adjusts his approach to incorporate it. As it stands, Beto’s role remains restricted, and he may feel that Everton haven’t fully committed to utilizing his talents.

Fan Frustration and Misinterpretation

The fanbase has certainly noticed, and frustration is palpable. Much of this frustration has been directed at Dyche’s handling of substitutions, with timing and personnel choices frequently criticized. Evertonians have grown tired of seeing promising players benched while the team struggles in the latter stages of matches. Substitutions have often felt reactive rather than proactive, leading fans to vent their frustration vocally. Unfortunately, this general frustration may have been misinterpreted by Beto as directed toward him, leading to reports that he feels hurt by the perceived lack of support.

It’s essential to clarify that fans aren’t frustrated with Beto himself but rather with how he’s been used (or underused). Everton supporters have always backed players who show heart, and Beto’s hard-nosed style, while not always refined, exemplifies the fighting spirit fans appreciate. The Goodison crowd has a history of lifting players who may have felt on the fringe, transforming them into heroes. What Beto needs now is for fans to rally behind him, singing his name and showing him he has their unwavering support.

How Beto Can Help Turn Things Around

Statistically, there’s a clear need for someone with Beto’s profile to help turn things around. Everton’s average of 1.11 goals scored per match and 1.78 conceded puts them in a precarious position, and their home advantage has been negligible, with only one win at Goodison so far. Beto’s aggressive, high-energy approach is precisely what Everton need to lift these numbers and energize the squad. While he’s no traditional target man, his tenacity makes him unpredictable and hard to contain.

There’s also the prospect of utilizing Beto more in away matches, where Everton’s form has been marginally better. Everton’s 1.25 goals per away match suggest that playing Beto in a freer, counterattacking role could help the club capitalize on open spaces, especially against teams that might underestimate his impact.

Friedken Group Takeover and the Prospect of Higher-Caliber Recruits

With the Friedken Group’s takeover all but finalized, Everton is on the brink of a significant transformation. The incoming ownership promises not only financial backing but also the possibility of elevating the club’s recruitment standards. This could mean looking beyond lower-level targets to pursue proven talent capable of changing games and lifting Everton’s attacking threat. For Beto, this incoming era may either open up new opportunities — under a manager who values his attributes — or bring in fierce competition for his position.

If Everton’s ambitions rise, they may recruit a forward capable of immediate impact, challenging Beto to step up and prove he’s worthy of a regular place. But under new ownership, there’s also the chance of more expansive tactics, which could work in Beto’s favor if he’s given the freedom to operate outside of a rigid system.

Time for Fans to Back Beto

Everton supporters have the power to play a vital role in helping Beto realize his potential. By showing their faith in him, they can help a player who has the tools to succeed but might need the backing of the crowd to reach his best. The chants of “Beto, Beto” could be the encouragement he needs to step up and become a key figure in Everton’s attack.

It’s time for Dyche to take a gamble and give Beto the minutes he needs, allowing him to be a catalyst for the team. With Everton’s scoring stats flagging, his skillset might be the very thing to turn things around — and the fans can help him make Goodison his home. After all, Evertonians have always loved a player who gives his all. Beto’s journey at Everton is far from over, and with the crowd behind him, he may yet become the striker they’ve been waiting for.

Reader Comments (7)

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Dupont Koo
1 Posted 30/10/2024 at 23:49:43
Thank you, Ben. I'm totally with you that Beto needs minutes to develop and eventually flourish.

But IMHO and sadly, there is nothing to lessen Dyche's stubbornness, even if Beto works his socks off at Finch Farm.

I am actually still quite mad that Dyche single-handedly put the blame on Beto for the entire Bournemouth collapse, as if the other 10 players were not there on the pitch.

Otherwise, those of you frequent Goodison attendees, please cheer Beto up whenever you see him! He needs every ounce of our support to get through the dark winter.

Mike Gaynes
2 Posted 30/10/2024 at 00:46:44
Ben, I agree with your conclusion that Beto must play more, but he is not some kid struggling with his "potential" -- he's a 26-year-old veteran of nearly 200 professional appearances and a well-established style.

Furthermore, the fans already back him, as Beto himself described in his emotional post-match interview how the fans' chants of "Beto, Beto, Beto" have impacted him.

Beto is a consistent, good-but-not-great goalscorer. He averaged a goal every 207 minutes over two seasons in Serie A (21 goals total), where 75% of his appearances were as a starter. He has averaged a goal every 195 minutes at Everton, where his situation is exactly reversed -- 75% of his appearances have been off the bench.

If you're wondering, over the same period, Calvert-Lewin has scored a goal every 284 minutes in all competitions. So that measure matches the "eye test" conclusion by most fans that Beto is the more dangerous presence in the box.

However, that doesn't account for Calvert-Lewin's other value to the team, which is defensive. He is tremendous with his head against set-pieces in the box -- he and Solanke are the two best forwards in the Premier League at that -- and he has become an artist at laying off long clearances to teammates with his head and chest under pressure. That helps prevent Pickford's long balls from coming right back at him.

So Dyche's continued selection of Dom over a detectably better finisher is not as senseless as it appears.

Beto must get more minutes, and it seems obvious that whatever he gets will come at Dom's expense. But I just don't see Dyche giving Dom's starting job to Beto.

And Ben, one closing note -- the "fierce competition" you predict has already arrived. Broja and Chermiti are unproven, but they are big, fast and talented.

Derek Thomas
3 Posted 31/10/2024 at 01:04:56
1) He's got to get selected first... that's down to Dyche.

2) He needs to have a decent run... not 20 minutes as a forlorn hope, Hail Mary option... that's down to Dyche.

3) The team needs, as best as circumstances allow, to be set up to at least attempt to play to his strengths... that's up to Dyche.

4) Somebody also has to assess just what those strengths are... that's also up to Dyche.

Short Version: Tell Dyche, not me.

While we're averaging around a point a game and out of the League Cup (again), I doubt there'll be that degree of experimentation just to see - 'what if'.

This sort of links to the latest Calvert-Lewin piece where I think all concerned 'doth protest too much'.

Sticking Beto in from the start might – bearing in mind my 4 points above – answer most questions… but it won't happen, except in the direst of circumstances; Dyche wouldn't wear it.

Beto – his rivals are an alleged wantaway player, a potential 'sicknote', and an unproven kid... both currently injured for god knows how long – not yet even "on the grass".

He seems like a decent sort of chap, a sad waste for both parties.

Robert Tressell
4 Posted 31/10/2024 at 07:50:02
I would have given Beto more minutes since he's been here.

But in all honesty, he's not a particularly good striker. He's got good physical attributes and works hard but he lacks ability and has never been prolific. He looks like a 6- to 10-goal-a-season player if given a full 38 Premier League games based on (a) watching him in games and (b) his time in Portugal and Italy.

He's nothing like the talent of, say, Evanilson at Bournemouth.

Peter Mills
5 Posted 31/10/2024 at 09:44:14
Ben, I believe this Beto in whom you show belief is a better Beto than the one I’ve been watching.
Andy Crooks
6 Posted 31/10/2024 at 09:53:32
Ben, I assume you are talking about a different Beto. I have yet to see his " blend of power and speed". At the moment his reputation is growing by not playing enough and, also,by endearing himself to supporters by looking end sounding enthusiastic.
DCL is exposed, we know all he can bring, and what he can't bring; much more than Beto in my view. Broja and Chermati are also strangely improving their reputations by their absence.
Brian Williams
7 Posted 31/10/2024 at 10:11:46
Beto's Role in a Struggling Everton Attack: Time to Shine or Move On

The latter I believe.

He's not good enough.

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