By Gabriel Agbonlahor

29th Sep, 2023 | 8:00am

Agbonlahor backs Everton to axe Beto after new development

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to replace Beto in the Everton lineup to face Luton Town on Saturday (30 September).

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 26-year-old is a “top player” when he is “fit, firing and injury-free”.

Calvert-Lewin started against Villa in the League Cup on Wednesday (27 September) and scored in a 2-1 victory.

He also bagged from the bench as Everton recorded their first Premier League win in a 3-1 triumph over Brentford on Saturday (23 September).

The England international has struggled with persistent injuries in the last few seasons and managed just 15 starts across all competitions last term.

Beto was brought in by Sean Dyche’s side in the summer window but is yet to score in the Premier League for the Toffees.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “There’s no doubts about his quality, he’s an England international.

“When he’s fit, firing and injury-free, he’s a threat.

“I’m sure Sean Dyche is thinking ‘thank goodness, now I’ve got competition’.

“He’s got Beto, who I think should come out this weekend against Luton for Calvert-Lewin.

“Can you try and spread the load between the two of them, and take Calvert-Lewin off at 60 minutes?

“He’s a top striker, Calvert-Lewin, and he’s just got to continue with this form.

“I feel like if he wants to be called up for England again, he needs to go a good chunk of the season without any niggling injuries.”

In other news, Everton £100million deal at risk of collapse after takeover twist.