Everton’s Beto has transformed under David Moyes, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective strikers, writes Dylan Johnson.

After signing from Udinese for roughly €30 million in the summer of 2023, Beto joined an Everton side in turmoil. Plagued by a string of poor results, points deductions, and a club in decline, it was hardly the ideal environment for a striker to settle in and deliver consistent performances.

Initially, Beto struggled to make an impact. His appearances were limited, mostly coming off the bench, and he quickly fell out of favor under former manager Sean Dyche, who was focused on short-term survival amid the club’s relegation battles.

That all changed with the arrival of David Moyes, a manager familiar with Everton’s success from his first spell at the club. Moyes has been instrumental in turning Beto’s fortunes around, offering him the minutes and trust that the striker needed to flourish. Under Moyes, Beto has become a dominant force in the Premier League, using his powerful frame, athleticism, and work ethic to bully opposition defenses.

Beto’s hold-up play has improved, allowing him to bring teammates into the game and create counter-attacks, while his surprising sprint speed and attacking positioning have made him a constant threat. A standout moment came in this season’s Merseyside derbies, where Beto outmuscled and outran Liverpool’s world-class central defenders, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Had it not been for the post and a marginal offside call, Beto could have easily added to his growing tally of goals.

With 11 goal contributions in 29 appearances this season, Beto’s turnaround has been nothing short of impressive. In his first 35 appearances for Everton, he scored just 3 goals, but in his last 10 Premier League matches, he has found the back of the net 7 times. The stats speak for themselves: under Moyes’ management, Beto has become a monster in the Premier League, a player that defenses now fear.

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