Sean Dyche shares Arnaut Danjuma verdict as Everton striker struggles emerge

Everton manager Sean Dyche has admitted he sees new signing Arnaut Danjuma as a support option rather than an out-and-out striker.

The Dutchman joined the Toffees on loan from Villareal this summer, having opted to move to Tottenham rather than Goodison in January, but while he strengthens Dyche’s frontline, the manager doesn’t see him as a solution upfront.

Danjuma made his first appearance in the blue of Everton in their 1-0 win over Stoke [29 July] but did little of note in his 45 minutes as the ball was often hit long over the top of him, but it isn’t likely to be a sign of things to come.

Speaking after the win over the Potters, Dyche discussed Danjuma’s position saying: “I don’t necessarily think he’s an out-and-out centre forward, but we need minutes and can only play certain players in certain positions.

“I was pleased with the work ethic. We know he can operate in a number of different positions. We know he can play wide or sort of in the nine-and-a-half/10 role, so we’ll see. We think he can offer something, which is why we brought him in.

“I’m certainly not judging him on 45 minutes because I know he’s not fit and sharp enough yet. But we’ll be doing work to get him there.”

More work to be done

Everything Dyche has said about Danjuma’s role makes perfect sense and is completely fair. He has very rarely been an out-and-out striker in his career so far and he will probably be at his best out wide for the Toffees this season.

But what it does highlight, is the fact that there is much more work to be done this summer in the transfer market, with at least one new striker required, especially if Danjuma isn’t expected to play there.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still yet to play a minute in pre-season as he aims to build strength to put an end to his constant injury issues, but the last two seasons have shown Everton aren’t able to rely on him for their goals.

Deals for Rodrigo and El Bilal Toure haven’t been successful so far this window and there is a financial fair play cloud looming over Merseyside this summer, but Everton cannot head into another Premier League campaign this underpowered up top.

Whether or not they manage to secure the services of another forward, they must now ensure they use Danjuma in the best possible way, rather than having a season of wasteful long balls blazed over his head.