Everton are working to develop their attacking intent this season with Sean Dyche keen for his players to be less reliant on the long ball. The Blues have been a counter attacking side during the Blues boss’ reign, often willing to draw teams on to them and then using Jordan Pickford’s expansive range of passing and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s strength to get up the pitch.
That is unlikely to change, but there is a desire to offer more variation to how the side attacks. It was notable – perhaps because of Pickford’s absence, with the England number one returning to Finch Farm on Monday – that Everton adopted a more diverse approach against Preston North End. An attacking quartet headed by Calvert-Lewin with Dwight McNeil, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom behind him appeared more confident at linking up on the ground.
Harrison and Lindstrom repeatedly took passes to their feet from centre backs James Tarkowski and Michael Keane – allowing them to turn and attempt to penetrate the Preston defence and to draw fouls, winning free-kicks in dangerous areas. Everton’s opening goal came from a network of passes between Harrison and McNeil that saw Calvert-Lewin sent into the box, where he won a penalty.
The third came when Lindstrom converted a free-kick won by Harrison. In Lindstrom and Iliman Ndiaye, Everton have signed two savvy players who look comfortable on the ball and capable of creating a threat with the ball at their feet – signalling an expansion on the direct, aerial approach that was typically relied upon last season. The addition of Lindstrom also means Dyche can deploy Harrison in the middle – a role he believes the 27-year-old can adapt to, though Ndiaye may be the most natural fit. Dyche said the moves were part of a plan and that he wanted more passing that ‘broke the lines’ of opposition midfield and defence.
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