Can 'fitter' and 'stronger' Chermiti continue impressive form?
- Published
It could be a breakthrough season for Everton striker Youssef Chermiti.
The Portuguese joined as a 19-year-old from Sporting Lisbon for 拢15m last summer and made 21 appearances, mostly off the bench, scoring just once in the Football League Trophy win at Mansfield.
But Chermiti has been in fine form so far this pre-season, scoring twice late on to spare Everton's blushes in their 3-3 draw at Sligo Rovers last week.
And he was effective when appearing as a second-half substitute against Salford on Saturday, winning a free-kick with a darting run which was coolly converted by James Garner.
Chermiti looked sharp with some threatening runs in behind the Salford backline, and linked up well with his team-mates but was unable to salvage a draw this time in the 2-1 defeat.
He is vying for a starting place with Portuguese compatriot Beto and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but only if his impressive performances continue.
Manager Sean Dyche told 大象传媒 Sport: "He has got to grips with it after last season and getting all the bit-parts, he's realised the physicality and looks stronger this season. He's come back fitter. I'm pleased with him.
"We're not judging anything yet but will do as pre-season builds."
