A New Era for Everton’s Young Talent

Everton’s decision to sign both Tyler Dibling and Adam Aznou this summer was somewhat unexpected. The club, known for its cautious approach to acquiring young players, has historically focused on bringing in experienced talent rather than developing younger prospects. This strategy was further reinforced by the presence of David Moyes, who often emphasizes the need for “Premier League experience” when evaluating potential signings.

Despite their arrival, both players have struggled to find consistent playing time under Moyes’ management. Their limited opportunities have raised questions about how the manager plans to integrate them into the first team.

Tyler Dibling: A Struggle for Consistency

Dibling, who joined from Southampton, has only managed to accumulate just under 500 minutes this season. His appearances have mostly come in cup matches or during the absence of Iliman Ndiaye, who was away at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, even in these games, Dibling has not been able to make a significant impact.

He has started in just a few matches, with two of those starts ending in half-time substitutions. In a recent Carabao Cup game against Wolves, he was substituted just 12 minutes into the second half. So far this season, Dibling has not recorded a goal or an assist, and his total shots have been limited to five in 14 appearances.

Moyes seems to favor Dwight McNeil over Dibling, possibly due to the latter’s lack of Premier League experience. This preference has made it difficult for the young Englishman to break into the starting XI.

Adam Aznou: A Mysterious Journey

Aznou’s situation is even more perplexing. The Moroccan international saw more playing time at Bayern Munich in 2025 (nine minutes in the Club World Cup) than he did for Everton in the Premier League, where he has yet to make a single appearance. His debut for the Toffees came as a late substitute in the FA Cup match against Sunderland.

Despite being on the pitch for only a short time, Aznou made an immediate impact. His energy on the wing was evident, and he even earned a controversial penalty that helped Everton equalize in the match. Although they ultimately lost in a penalty shootout, Aznou’s performance suggested that he could be a valuable asset for the team.

However, since that match, Aznou has not seen any further action, leaving fans wondering when he will get another chance to prove himself.

Opportunities Arise with Grealish’s Injury

Jack Grealish’s injury could present new opportunities for both Dibling and Aznou. If Ndiaye returns to the left wing, it would allow Dibling to continue playing on the right, a position where McNeil has struggled. This shift could give Dibling a better chance to showcase his talents.

For Aznou, the path is a bit more complicated. While Moyes may not trust him defensively enough to play as a left back, his performance in the FA Cup showed that he can make an impact as a winger. If he can find a role in front of Mykolenko, he could become a key player for the team.

Another possibility is that all three players—Aznou, Ndiaye, and Dibling—could play together. This would involve moving Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall deeper and positioning Ndiaye as a central attacking midfielder. However, this scenario would require sacrificing one of the midfielders, which Moyes is unlikely to do.

Looking Ahead

While losing Jack Grealish is a setback for Everton, there may be silver linings in his injury. Moyes now has the opportunity to experiment with his squad and give young players like Dibling and Aznou a chance to shine. Whether they can capitalize on this opportunity remains to be seen, but their performances so far suggest that they have the potential to contribute significantly to the team’s future success.