Everton and their supporters would have been excited when they signed Sandro Ramirez for little over £5m from Malaga during the summer transfer window following a prolific season in La Liga, but it has turned out to be a bit of a nightmare for all parties so far.

The forward scored 16 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish club last term, but he has failed to replicate that form in England and is yet to find the net in 11 competitive outings for the Toffees.

But rather than just having a dry patch in front of goal, the Spaniard has been almost completely frozen out in recent weeks by both former manager Ronald Koeman and caretaker boss David Unsworth.

The 22-year-old has failed to make the squad for four of the club's last five matches in all competitions, with his exclusion against Lyon on Thursday night perhaps the most surprising and telling given Wayne Rooney had been rested.

Whether Unsworth gets the job on a permanent basis or the Merseyside outfit decide to look elsewhere, it is clear that the attacker has some work to do in the coming weeks and months to establish himself back in the side.

Here are three things Ramirez must do to salvage his Everton career…

Bulk up

The 22-year-old has largely featured as a centre-forward for Everton this season with Ronald Koeman and David Unsworth both favouring the 4-2-3-1 formation during the current campaign, but he has struggled in the lone striker role.

Considering he is 5ft 9in tall that perhaps isn't too much of a surprise, and he has certainly looked weak against some of the bigger Premier League centre-backs.

If Ramirez wants to be more effective in that role for the Toffees going forward he must bulk up a bit and get stronger, and that will happen with lots of extra work in the gym.

Be smarter

While Ramirez's height and physique can perhaps be used as an excuse for the disappointing start to his Premier League career, it can’t be one that can be used in the long term when you look at some of the top players in the Premier League.

Alexis Sanchez, Eden Hazard and Sergio Aguero are three of the smallest players in the English top flight but they are also three of the best, and that is mainly because they are clever on and off the ball.

The trio know how to use their body when they are in possession and have the awareness and movement when they don't, and Ramirez could certainly learn a thing or two by watching videos of them.

Take his next chance

Whether Unsworth gets the job on a permanent basis or Everton give it to someone else, Ramirez will get another chance in the coming weeks and he has to take it.

Should the 22-year-old be given an opportunity from the start or from the substitutes' bench, he must give 100% and show that he wants to succeed with the Toffees, which will help at least get the fans on his side.

The Spaniard should also make sure he gets in the same areas in the penalty area that yielded so many goals last season, and once that first Everton goal arrives his confidence will increase and he may well go on a little run.

Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.