Sean Dyche is making a mistake by overlooking 42k p/w Everton ace

Sean Dyche’s Everton are staring at relegation as they sit 19th in the table with 29 points. Everton are without a win in their last seven games and desperately need points if they are to stand a chance to survive the relegation battle. One man that could provide some spark in attack is Demarai Gray and he has been overlooked recently.

When Dyche took in charge of the Everton team, he overlooked Gray in the first couple of games, either keeping him on the bench or giving him a late cameo appearance. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured and Neal Maupay misfiring, Dyche decided to experiment Gray in a central role.

Now, with Calvert-Lewin’s return, the former Leicester City man finds himself restricted to the bench. Dyche has preferred Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi on the flanks, leaving Gray on the bench against Newcastle United and Leicester City.

Sean Dyche must use Demarai Gray against Brighton

When the game was tied 2-2 against Leicester, Everton seemed the better side throughout the match and looked like they would find the winner. Perhaps, this was the best time to introduce Gray on to the pitch.

The Englishman is rapid and has trickery up his sleeve to evade his defenders. More often, he is Everton’s most electric player on the pitch and can create a difference through his skill and pace. Perhaps, the downside of deploying Gray is his lack of physical presence, something that Dyche prefers from his players.

Using Gray as a super substitute, calling him late on in the game to unlock defences and use his speed to have a go at the opposition backline might just be a smart idea. Gray is Everton’s top scorer this season, netting four in the Premier League. The 26 year old does lack the prudent passing in the final third but his marriage with his pace and ability to run at the defenders often compensates for it.

With Brighton up next, Dyche must not overlook Gray and at least consider him as an option off the bench. Giving Gray the freedom to take on the defenders and do his thing is the best degree of freedom Dyche can offer to the Englishman. EFC need to pick up points against Brighton and Gray is a player that Dyche could bank on to make a difference.

Will Demarai Gray make a difference against the Seagulls?