David Moyes has hinted that Everton could adopt a new attacking strategy if his current strikers continue to misfire in front of goal.
The Toffees boss, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Sunderland, admitted that patience is wearing thin with Beto and Thierno Barry, who have scored just one goal between them so far this season.
Beto and Barry Failing to Fire
Everton’s lack of cutting edge has become a growing concern. Beto, who impressed after Moyes’s return last January with seven goals in the second half of the campaign, has managed only one goal in nine appearances this term — and has missed several big chances along the way.
Meanwhile, Thierno Barry, a £27 million summer signing from Villarreal, has yet to score in nine games for his new club. The France U21 international has started just twice but struggled to make a notable impact.
Their combined struggles have left Everton underperforming their expected goals (xG), despite strong creative play from Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish in advanced midfield roles.
“We Want Our Forwards to Score More Goals”
Moyes acknowledged the issue openly but was quick to point out that the team’s chance creation has improved, suggesting that finishing — not tactics — is the current problem.
“Obviously we want our centre-forwards to score more goals. We’re making more chances, we’re having much more of the ball, and being more creative. In the last few games, we’ve not quite got on the end of two or three things which on another day we do — and it changes the outcome and the mood.” — David Moyes, Everton manager
He admitted that strikers often suffer from dips in confidence, and that all he can do is continue to trust the process and give his players opportunities to rediscover their finishing touch.
“Footballers can lose confidence when their form isn’t so good — it could be a centre-forward, a centre-half, or a goalkeeper. Centre-forwards thrive on the feeling of getting goals, so all you can do is keep putting them in the right positions and give them plenty of balls to work with.” — Moyes
Moyes Considering a New Approach
The former West Ham boss didn’t dismiss the idea of switching to a new system — potentially moving Iliman Ndiaye into a central role — if his main strikers fail to respond soon.
Ndiaye, who was Everton’s top scorer with 11 goals last season, has been playing from the right this term but has the versatility to operate through the middle.
“I will look to see if there are other options and if I think I’m not getting what I want, I’ll look to see what else there is. ‘Ili,’ you mentioned, gives you less of a focal point and changes how you may have to play and build at different times if you do that.” — David Moyes
Moyes also hinted that there are “one or two other people” in the squad who could fit into the central attacking role if changes are made.
Our View: Time for a Tactical Tweak?
In our view, Moyes is right to consider a reshuffle. Beto’s struggles have persisted too long to ignore, and Barry’s slow adaptation means Everton need a short-term solution to restore attacking fluency.
Ndiaye has proven finishing instincts and tactical flexibility, and a move to a false nine or central hybrid role could inject fresh energy into a side that’s simply not scoring enough goals.
Key Insights
- Beto and Thierno Barry have one goal combined in 18 appearances this season.
- Moyes admits Everton are “more creative” but failing to finish chances.
- Iliman Ndiaye could move into a central striker role to improve output.
- Moyes says he’s “considering other options” if form doesn’t improve soon.
- Everton face Sunderland next, still chasing their first win in three matches.
What’s Next
Everton travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Monday, hoping for a turnaround in front of goal. All eyes will be on whether Moyes sticks with his misfiring strikers — or finally tries something new.
👉 Everton fans — should Moyes move Ndiaye into the middle or stick with Beto up top?
By John William — FootballPlace.co.uk
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