Sky Sports pundit highlights Everton player problem as Dyche question raised

Everton are being held back by their struggles to regularly score goals and may not persist much longer with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to Dean Ashton.

The former Premier League and England striker watched his ex-club West Ham United play out an uninspiring 0-0 draw with the Toffees on Saturday [9 November], in which the bright spark for Sean Dyche was his defence.

Jarrad Branthwaite returned to partner James Tarkowski at the heart of a backline that was so successful for the club at the end of last season, though Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s barren run up top continues.

“Everton can be defensively sound and keep clean sheets. The turning point for them last season came when Branthwaite and Tarkowski were performing at the back,” Ashton said live on Sky Sports News [10 November, 12:47].

“It worked again [on Saturday] and there are no issues in that sense. The issue is whether they can score goals. [Dyche] is sticking with Calvert-Lewin, and I’ve been a striker going through a poor period.

“You do want your manager to back you until it turns around again, but how long does he give him? Beto is trying to get that starting berth.”

Everton have decision to make as Calvert-Lewin stalls on new deal

Everton and Calvert-Lewin appear to be looking for the most positive solution to the near-expired contract of the striker.

If he is dropped by Dyche in favour of Beto, it could sour relations from the player’s camp slightly, as considerations over the next major chapter of his career continue.

Calvert-Lewin has spoken at length recently of how much he values playing for the club, though that does not necessarily mean he is keen to extend his nine-year stay and could be influenced by his agent.

He has not scored since 14 September away at Aston Villa while Beto has looked in a more encouraging vein of form when he has featured.

As for the defensive unit, it would be a huge burden off Dyche’s shoulders if Branthwaite and Tarkowski can stay fit and rekindle the admirable form of the latter part of last season’s duet.

In other Everton news, a behind-the-scenes update is issued on Dele Alli.

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