Everton have yet again found themselves struggling in the Premier League over the campaign so far, and Frank Lampard will be desperately trying to find solutions to improve his team’s performances on the pitch.
After a poor run of form leading up to the World Cup break, the Toffees lost six of their last eight outings in the top flight, which has now left them just one point away from falling into the relegation zone.
Indeed, the defensive play has certainly strengthened with the signings of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski in the summer, as the pair have developed a fantastic centre-back partnership. However, in terms of their attacking threat, it is clear that a lack of goal contributions and creativity is Lampard’s biggest problem.
Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than Everton this season so far in the Premier League, and it is becoming more apparent that Richarlison’s summer exit and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury issues have hindered the Toffees’ goalscoring prowess.
As a result, Lampard must take the golden opportunity to sign a prolific finisher who can make an instant positive impact in the attacking third when the transfer window reopens next month.
One player who has been linked with a move to the blue half of Merseyside is Senegal and Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, and the Villarreal-owned centre forward could be the key to unlocking the stale and uninspiring goal threat that Everton have shown so far in 2022/23.
Across 14 Serie A appearances this term, the 26-year-old – who was dubbed a “handful” by journalist Dean Jones – has scored six goals, registered two assists and created one big chance, also averaging 1.1 shots and 2.7 successful duels per game.
Compare that with Everton striker Neal Maupay, who in ten Premier League appearances this term has just one goal and zero assists or big chances created, winning 2.1 duels per game.
Furthermore, Dia has been impressing on the international stage whilst representing Senegal in the World Cup as he scored Senegal’s first goal of the tournament against Qatar, with the African champions since progressing to the knockout stages, where they will face England on Sunday night.
Across three World Cup appearances, the £17m-valued Senegal star has scored one goal and completed 50% of his dribbles, whilst averaging two shots on goal, one clearance and 3.3 successful duels per game.
With that in mind, the prospective signing of Dia could be a great piece of business for Everton; and if he can continue his flourishing form in front of goal, he could be a hugely valuable asset to Lampard over the second half of the season.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
