Moyes Raises Standards at Everton
David Moyes has challenged Tyler Dibling to turn promise into proof after a difficult first season at Everton. The 20-year-old arrived from Southampton for £42million last summer after a long pursuit, with the fee reflecting both his potential and the scale of faith placed in him.
Yet Dibling has started only four league games and has played just one minute since January. With Jack Grealish ruled out for the season at the start of the year, Everton hoped Dibling would force his way forward. Moyes now wants sharper work, greater intensity and a response that can carry into next season.
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‘He’ll have to do better I think,’ said the boss ahead of the Toffees’ home clash against Manchester City on Monday night.
Work Rate Becomes Key Test
Moyes has made the training ground the starting point. Everton need more from a player signed for serious money, especially with competition increasing.
‘He’ll have to do better in his work and in his training. We brought in Tyrique (George, from Chelsea) who is of a similar age and as competition as well to make sure we were covered.
‘I think Tyrique has done well in the moments he’s had in games and shown some bits that we like, so we want Tyler to step up, we really do.’
Dibling’s background offers context. He spent time at Chelsea in 2022 before returning to Southampton after struggling with homesickness, so another major move, this time to Merseyside, was always likely to test him. Everton have not lost belief, although Moyes made clear that patience must lead somewhere.
‘He’s important to us. He’s a player who we put a lot of faith and money into to bring him here so we are looking for a lot more.
‘That’s why we are not panicking about it, because of his age. We want him to step up, we are hoping that he’ll improve and next year will be a big year for him to see if he can do that.’
Barry Also Under Spotlight
Thierno Barry is facing his own challenge. The Everton striker enjoyed a productive festive spell, then scored only once in his next 11 league appearances. Moyes sees confidence, age and adaptation as part of the picture.
Moyes added: ‘I am saying a general thing here and it is that football supporters are not having much patience with many things. You might not get two or three years to become that player.
‘There is a bigger emphasis on, “We need things now, we are looking for that to happen quickly”. It is not just here at Everton. I think all clubs are the same.
‘He is young as well, first year in the country, at the moment we have four games to go and if he scores a couple of goals you might say it has not been the worst return for a young centre forward.
‘There are a lot of clubs who have paid a lot of money for centre forwards and you wouldn’t say that has been worth it.
‘We took a chance on a young, up-and-coming striker, we tried to get him in quickly and early to see how he was going. He has not done bad. I actually think he is improving as he is going along. First season in the Premier League, it is not that easy.’
Armstrong Offers Positive Sign
While Dibling and Barry seek momentum, Harrison Armstrong represents progress. The Everton midfielder is in talks over a new contract after a fine breakout campaign and a January recall from Preston.
For Moyes, the message is simple. Everton will invest in young talent, support it and protect it, yet standards remain non-negotiable. Dibling still has time. Next season will show whether he can meet the demand.
