David Moyes Urged to Play ‘Incredible’ Everton Star in New Position as Striker

Alan Myers Suggests Moyes Try Ndiaye Up Front Amid Everton’s Striker Struggles

Everton’s strikers have found it tough going in front of goal this season, prompting journalist Alan Myers to suggest manager David Moyes consider deploying Iliman Ndiaye in an unfamiliar centre-forward role.

Following the close of the summer transfer window, the Toffees were left with just two recognised strikers in the squad — Beto and Thierno Barry. Youssef Chermiti, who began the 2025/26 season with the club, has since departed for Rangers in a permanent move to the Scottish Premiership. Since then, Beto has been Everton’s primary option through the middle, while Barry has made just one Premier League start.

Barry was signed as a long-term investment and to offer competition for Beto, but Moyes has largely relied on the latter in the league. With limited alternatives in attack, questions are now being asked about what tactical tweaks Moyes might consider in the weeks ahead.

Myers: Time to Experiment with Ndiaye Up Top?

In his latest column, Alan Myers posed the idea of using Ndiaye as a central striker to help solve Everton’s goal-scoring issues. He drew a comparison to the successful positional switch of Graham Stuart under Joe Royle, where the former midfielder was transformed into a productive striker.

“It’s a bold call to drop both Beto and Barry,” Myers wrote, “but is there a case for trying Ndiaye as the main striker?”

“Beto works tirelessly and deserves more goals for his effort, but things just aren’t clicking for him right now. Meanwhile, Barry is still adapting to life in the Premier League.”

Myers added: “I remember when Graham Stuart, signed as a midfielder, was moved into a forward role and ended up the second-highest scorer behind Kanchelskis. You have to wonder if Ndiaye could do something similar.”

Could Ndiaye Be the Answer?

While Ndiaye has mostly played as an attacking midfielder or out wide, the Senegal international is arguably the most clinical finisher in the squad. He’s known for his ability to hold off defenders, turn quickly, and use his technical skill to break away in tight spaces.

Though shifting him into a striker’s role could be a tactical masterstroke, it would also raise questions about the futures of both Beto and Barry, who were brought in specifically to lead the line.

Still, with Everton continuing to struggle for goals, Moyes may soon be tempted to make a bold change — and Ndiaye could be the surprise solution.