‘Ifs’ and ‘buts’ count for little in the midst of a Premier League relegation battle. But if Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been available for Sean Dyche on Wednesday night, how differently would that eventual 4-0 defeat at Arsenal turned out?
It is not hard to imagine Calvert-Lewin making a better fist of the weak backheel Neal Maupay attempted when the score was still goalless at the Emirates. Or, for example, a couple of aerial duels the diminutive Frenchman comfortably lost.
It’s a question Everton fans have been asking themselves all season. What if Calvert-Lewin had been fit more often? What if they had brought in a more adequate replacement in January; Dyche paying for the sins of his predecessors with Everton’s financial concerns pulling the shutters down on moves for Danny Ings, Beto or Duvan Zapata.
What if indeed?
Since the start of October, Everton have scored just two Premier League goals from open play. 17 across the entire campaign; a league-low tally. Dyche needs a superhero in Calvert-Lewin’s absence and, again against Arsenal, Maupay looked less Iron Man and more tinfoil.
Is Serhou Guirassy Everton’s best striker option?
Now, every problem has a solution and Everton’s may well be Serhou Guirassy. Farmed out on loan to Stuttgart; the Guinea international appears to have no future at parent club Stade Rennes and may be available for a cut-price fee of £8 million.
Everton held talks with Guirassy last summer, via L’Equipe, while his agent has made no secret of the rangy frontman’s desire to bring his brand of goal-poaching to English shores.
“Serhou’s preference has always been to play in the English Premier League,” his representative explains.
Now, it is not certain whether, one) Guirassy is still on Everton’s radar. Or, two) they could even afford the £8 million required. Relegation would almost certainly put him out of their reach. But, at 6ft 2ins, Guirassy is certainly more Dyche-type number nine than Maupay; a man who’s best form at Brighton came when paired with creative, subtle playmakers rather than direct wingers like Dwight McNeil.
In 13 starts, meanwhile, Guirassy has eight goals for a Stuttgart team in free-fall. More than Maupay, Calvert-Lewin, Alex Iwobi, Amadou Onana and Dwight McNeil put together.
Guirassy needs a fresh start and Everton need a striker. Preferably, a tall, physical one better equipped to step into Calvert-Lewin’s shoes. Guirassy to Goodison; there is a lot to like. But, as ever with Everton, discussing any transfer plans must be offset by major concerns over their Premier League status and the tightness of those purse-strings.
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