Everton’s New Bilyaletdinov: Lindstrom Struggles to Make Impact

David Moyes’ return to Everton has brought mixed results for the club’s attacking players. While striker Beto found early success under the Scottish manager, scoring 5 goals in Moyes’ first 7 games back, the team’s wingers have continued to struggle.

Many have pointed to on-loan Jack Harrison as a disappointment, but summer signing Jesper Lindstrom has arguably been an even bigger letdown. The Danish winger, brought in on loan from Napoli with a £19 million purchase option, has failed to make a meaningful impact so far.

Lindstrom’s lack of production is reminiscent of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, another high-profile winger signing who flopped at Everton over a decade ago. The Russian international managed just 8 goals in 59 Premier League appearances after joining for £9 million in 2009 before being sold at a loss two and a half years later.

Like Bilyaletdinov, Lindstrom has struggled to contribute goals or assists. In 30 total appearances this season, he has yet to score and has provided just 2 assists. His key passing numbers and duels won per game also lag behind Harrison’s, despite similar playing time.

While Harrison has at least managed to score once and create chances with an expected assists (xA) total of 2.35, Lindstrom’s 1.95 xA and lone assist represent a poor return on Everton’s investment. His £50,000 weekly wages and potential £19 million fee look increasingly difficult to justify.

Unless Lindstrom can dramatically turn his form around in the final stretch of the season, it seems unlikely Everton will exercise their purchase option. The Danish international appears set to join Bilyaletdinov as another disappointing wide attacking signing in the club’s recent history.