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Sean Dyche: “Everton are becoming a more balanced team.”

Sean Dyche feels Everton are becoming a more balanced team, playing “effective football” at both ends of the field and demonstrating a more “relentless mindset.”

In addition to an improved defensive structure under Dyche, the Blues have amassed a combined Expected Goal (xG) total of 12.25 since the manager’s first game in charge, with only Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal collecting a greater total in that time.

Everton welcome Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Monday, and Dyche has urged his team to improve on their encouraging three-game undefeated streak that precedes the international break.

“The [attacking] numbers have improved while we’ve been here on some of the marks you want – getting people in the box, getting better quality into the box, better quality of chances and different scorers,” Dyche said before of the meeting on Thursday.

“I made it plain… it’s always been my mindset that if a player leaves the pitch, there’s a good chance for someone else.”

“Beyond that, it is the job of the entire team to score goals, and we are showing promising signs of doing so by being productive from all parts of the pitch, in different formats, in different ways, and by attempting to influence games.”

“I want the club to play effective football, and we’re showing indications of doing so.”

“I believe it’s fair to say that we’ve had a better defensive framework in the weeks I’ve been here, and we’re just now beginning to find the balance between that and moving into attack.”

“There appears to be a more positive vibe. It’s difficult to express, but the transition period, adjusting to it, and recognising it early is improving.”

Dyche noted that the Club’s international players are in good health and have returned to Finch Farm.

Nathan Patterson and James Garner played for Scotland and England Under-21s after recovering from injuries, respectively.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin “back out on the grass” but yet to return to full training, Andros Townsend will be Everton’s sole definite absentee for Monday’s meeting.

“That was beneficial for that reason [to get Patterson and Garner minutes], and some have gotten more minutes in previous games,” Dyche explained. “The group left behind got a few days off, but they undoubtedly did some training as well.”

“I believe they look fresh, honestly, based on how they’ve practised over the last three games, so I’m satisfied overall.”

“On the injury front, nothing severe has returned, which is fortunate, particularly with Ama[dou] Onana, who played both games.”

“A couple of them returned today, so it’s lovely to see them.”

Dyche went on to say of Calvert-Lewin, “He hasn’t trained with the group, but he’s back on the grass again and has been, so he’s making progress, which is excellent.”

“He did have that minor niggle on the injury – it was in a slightly different region – but he’s making really good development at the moment, so we’re thrilled with that.”

“There’s no timetable; I don’t do that anyhow, especially when we’re simply trying to bring him back to ‘full fitness,’ as I call it, or as near to it as possible.”

Spurs go to Goodison Park after a tumultuous week in which Antonio Conte left the club and his former assistant manager, Cristian Stellini, was named interim Head Coach for the balance of the season.

Regardless of the apparent turmoil, Dyche cautioned the Toffees that they needed to be at their best to come away with a win against their Champions League-chasing opponents.

When questioned about Tottenham striker Harry Kane being England’s record goalscorer, Dyche remarked, “Congratulations to [Harry Kane].” “I’m fortunate to know him a little bit, and he’s a terrific person, an all-round professional.”

“He’ll be conscious that [the Spurs’ assault] isn’t just about him because they have a lot of excellent players there, but he’s still a threat, as he has been season after season.”

“Even when [Kane] is questioned, what he does swiftly shuts down any questions.”

“They have a good team.” I know there’s a lot going on, but at the end of the day, they’ve got a terrific bunch of players there, and we have to be ready for them.”

Kajal S

Kajal S

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