Everton: Sean Dyche must start Jack Harrison v Brighton following ‘absolutely outstanding’ moment.

Sean Dyche obviously must bring Jack Harrison back into the Everton starting lineup for the game against Brighton on Saturday (24 February).

The 27-year-old was dropped to the bench for the meeting against Crystal Palace on Monday (19 February) as the Toffees fought out a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

But the English winger demonstrated that he had enough of quality to give as he helped the Blues come from behind after replacing Ashley Young midway through the second half, with fellow replacement Amadou Onana netting a late equaliser.

Harrison would have undoubtedly been named in the lineup had it not been for the return of Abdoulaye Doucoure, who began behind forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

That is where Harrison has been playing in recent weeks in the absence of the Mali international despite his best position being on the wing.

The choice to start Young on the right-hand side of the midfield over the Leeds loanee was received with some surprise by several interested onlookers, including Danny Murphy.

Speaking on talkSPORT about the decision during the first half against Crystal Palace, Murphy said: “Really surprised if I’m honest. I think Jack Harrison’s more of a goal threat, goes past players, he’s fitter, he’s stronger.

“I mean, Ashley Young’s been a great player but he’s near the end of his career, he’s not quite got the pace and power he once had.

“Harrison, for me, is much more of a creative asset, somebody I would worry playing against whereas Young, yeah, he’s got a good delivery, but he’s not going to hurt you other than a whipping cross.”

After Harrison came off the bench for Young, he offered more purpose and direct play down the right for the Toffees against Palace.

The winger got 30 touches of the ball, while he attempted five crosses and won three out of his four duels on the ground for a 75 per cent success rate [SofaScore].

One of those passes into the box wowed Alan Smith on co-commentary for Sky Sports as he beat his man before sending in a “absolutely outstanding” cross, which none of his colleagues was able to get on the end of to find a winner and raise the roof off Goodison.

“We’ve seen some crosses tonight, but this is the best of the bunch,” remarked Smith. “It’s brilliant from Harrison on the run, absolutely outstanding. It deserved a blue-shirted player getting on the end of that perfect beauty.”

The winger did more than enough off the bench to earn a start against Brighton in what will no doubt be a challenging game at the Amex Stadium.

Dyche will need his finest attacking players to provide excellence in the final third if they are to pick up a result on the south coast and there’s no doubt that Harrison comes into that class.

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