Everton have made a noticeable step forward in the early stages of the 2025/26 season.
Under David Moyes, the team has shown more cohesion, tempo, and tactical clarity than in recent campaigns.
They currently sit eighth in the Premier League with three wins and eleven points, having also picked up victories against Wolves and Brighton, while suffering narrow defeats to Leeds and Liverpool.
The improvement is clear, yet one area that remains a concern is Everton’s attacking output.
Despite the team showing better structure, their forwards have struggled to consistently convert opportunities into goals.
Moyes’ side has been effective in linking midfield to attack, but the finishing touch has often been missing.
This leaves room for a player capable of creating, unlocking defences, and elevating teammates to make a difference in front of goal.
The spotlight has primarily fallen on Thierno Barry and Beto, Everton’s two principal options at the No. 9 position.
Both have their strengths, but neither has yet stamped themselves as the first-choice striker capable of leading the line consistently.
That is where one of Everton’s best players comes into the conversation, ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Manchester City.
Beto and Barry's continued struggles at Everton
Barry, the French U21 international, arrived at Everton in the summer for £27.6m from Villarreal, bringing a profile similar to that of Dušan Vlahović or Ollie Watkins, as noted by FBref.
At 6ft 5in, he possesses a commanding aerial presence, winning nearly two-thirds of the duels contested in the penalty area last season and ranking in the 87th percentile for aerials won (3.84 per 90).
Barry is also adept at carrying the ball forward and stretching defensive lines, ranking in the 74th percentile for progressive carries (1.70 per 90) and the 62nd percentile for successful take-ons (0.77 per 90).
Despite these promising metrics, Barry has yet to make a significant impact in the Premier League.
Against Crystal Palace, for instance, he played 19 touches, completing only four of eight passes, registering no shots, and losing possession ten times, as per Sofascore.
While Moyes has cautioned that Barry needs time to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League, the sense remains that Everton require more immediate returns from their striking options.
Beto, meanwhile, is alternating with Barry in the forward role, showing glimpses of promise but failing to assert himself as the consistent focal point of attack.
Everton’s system demands a striker who can both finish and facilitate; however, both Barry and Beto have, at times, been inconsistent in contributing the decisive final action.
The rotation between them means neither has yet fully settled, and the team’s attacking rhythm has suffered as a result.
This scenario highlights the need for a complementary presence in midfield or wide areas, someone capable of linking play and providing the incisive passes that could allow Barry or Beto to flourish.
How Moyes can get Beto & Barry firing
Illiman Ndiaye, the 25-year-old French midfielder signed from Marseille, has the potential to be that catalyst.
His skill set is ideally suited to Everton’s current configuration: he can operate from the right wing or as a No. 10, carrying the ball, creating overloads, and providing decisive passes into the penalty area.
Ndiaye has already shown glimpses of his technical ability, composure under pressure, and intelligent movement.
He excels in transitioning defence to attack and ranks highly in progressive carries, progressive passes, and successful take-ons per 90 minutes.
His ability to break lines, maintain possession under pressure, and combine effectively with creative teammates could provide the service both Barry and Beto have been missing.
Matches Played
7
Goals
3
Assists
1
Progressive Carries
16
Progressive Passes
10
Described by Ben Mattinson as a “creator of chaos,” One of Ndiaye’s defining qualities is versatility.
Moyes has recently deployed him on the right flank, where he can drift inside to create space for overlapping full-backs, although he should be shifted into the No. 10 role, orchestrating attacks behind whichever striker starts.
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Putting greater onus on his talents in a central role is crucial, particularly with Jack Grealish unavailable for Everton’s upcoming trip to the Etihad.
In his absence, Ndiaye can offer the creative spark necessary to maintain attacking fluidity, with the likes of Dwight McNeil or Tyler Dibling able to vie for Grealish’s vacant berth down the left.
Beyond statistics, Ndiaye brings energy and tactical intelligence, allowing Everton to press effectively and recover possession quickly, maintaining the high-intensity style Moyes demands.
His combination of technical ability and physical dynamism ensures that he can influence games even when the forwards are struggling for confidence.
For Moyes, integrating Ndiaye successfully could address Everton’s ongoing attacking inconsistencies.
If the Frenchman can link up effectively with Barry or Beto, it could unlock the finishing threat that has so far been sporadic.
Ndiaye’s ability to combine creativity, energy, and positional intelligence may prove the difference in converting strong performances into consistent wins.
