Ellis Simms’ stunning goal at Chelsea followed an in-depth conversation with Sean Dyche in which the striker found his own path to progress.
The 22-year-old had struggled to make an impact in a side in desperate need of a recognised forward following his return from a loan spell at Sunderland. He had started just once and had few opportunities in the minutes he had played, first under Frank Lampard and then with Dyche.
Yet the academy graduate has persevered behind the scenes. And after his first senior goal for Everton, Dyche revealed Simms had built his growth on a four point plan he devised himself.
READ MORE: Sean Dyche shares Everton dressing room talk that inspired Chelsea fightback
Simms’ last-minute equaliser earned a valuable point for Everton at Stamford Bridge. The draw maintained the Blues’ momentum going into the international break and eased concern that had built when relegation rivals Leeds United and Southampton had clinched positive results earlier on Saturday.
It was also a major milestone for the 22-year-old, who had sought Dyche’s support in the days before the Chelsea match. Dyche explained: “He’s still got a lot to improve. He came up in the week actually and asked me ‘what do you think?’ I said: ‘Well. What do you think?’ He gave me four things and I said ‘you are right’.
"It’s taking action. These players know the things they have got to do, it is just a strange situation and they need guidance, someone to say ‘yeah you are right so therefore take ownership and do it’. I thought [the Chelsea game] was a good sign of that, of the difference in his physicality. He is quick, he is strong and he used it. You can’t just wait for people to allow you to use it, you can’t just wait to mature as a player, you have to earn it, you have to go and work at your game.”
Asked whether he was pleased with the bravery to discuss his development with his manager, Dyche - who would not detail what the four points Simms highlighted were - said: “There wasn’t much courage. He just asked me a question and I said: ‘Well you tell me’. He could have said nothing, it is up to him isn’t it?”
The manner of the goal is what will please Simms’ coaches most. A proven goalscorer in the Scottish Premier League and Championship, there had been few signs he could pose a genuine threat in the Premier League, albeit his chances had been limited despite the persistence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems. His vital goal suggested he is on a journey of progress though as he displayed confidence, strength, pace and composure to take the ball beyond Kalidou Koulibaly and slot past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Dyche said the strike suggested Simms is “beginning to understand” what is needed for him to enjoy success at the top level. He said: “He stayed calm for his finish. He turned the after-burner off and he is quick and he is strong. He powers it off [the after-burner] and stays calm. They are good qualities to have.”
READ NEXT:
- Graham Potter bemoans 'dropped two points' for Chelsea but gives 'credit' to Everton
- National media spot 'unlikely hero' for Everton in Chelsea draw
- 'Completely different' - Leon Osman explains key change Sean Dyche has made at Everton after Chelsea draw
- Chelsea boss Graham Potter sends warning to Kai Havertz after Everton celebration
- That is all I am saying' - Sean Dyche makes Everton penalty point after Chelsea spot-kick decision
