A Sky Sports pundit has been discussing Everton's summer signing Tyler Dibling, who is still waiting for his lift-off moment following his big-money move from Southampton
David Moyes looks on prior to the Carabao Cup match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
David Moyes looks on prior to the Carabao Cup match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton at Molineux. Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
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Everton were one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer market as 10 new faces arrived through the Hill Dickinson Stadium doors. But none cost more than the player who has yet to have his Blues lift-off moment.
That Everton were chasing a new right-winger was of absolutely no surprise to anyone. They were linked with the likes of Francisco Conceicao, Johan Bakayoko, Malick Fofana, Ben Doak and Omari Hutchinson before they showed their hand over highly rated Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling.
However, a deal was far from straightforward and even though the Blues were able to talk the Saints down from their original asking price of £50m plus a 25% sell-on clause, the initial £35m they ultimately forked out made Dibling their most expensive purchase of the window.
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With Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish firmly establishing themselves as David Moyes' first-choice attacking trio behind the centre-forward, the 19-year-old has had to be patient.
But when his opportunities have arrived, Dibling has not quite being able to take them. He was replaced after 58 minutes in the disappointing 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Wolves while he came off at half-time in the dramatic 2-1 Premier League win at home to Crystal Palace before the international break.
The England Under-21 international struggled to get into the game in that latter match but his start was a reward for his lively showing off the bench in the 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United earlier in the week.
Everton boss Moyes has no doubt Dibling will come good. And while a Sky Sports pundit believes the attacker has the perfect manager to play for, he did question the fee paid.
Former West Brom, Sunderland and Wolves striker Don Goodman, speaking to football betting site talkSPORT Bet, said: "David Moyes was never going to be one to throw Tyler Dibling to the lions and put this huge expectancy on such young shoulders straight after signing. I'm sure they'll nurture him.
"While he did make an incredible start to life in the Premier League last season, in a really struggling team with Southampton, it just fizzled out.
"The two goals came very, very early in the season, and he played 33 games but was involved in just two goals. There were flashes of what he was capable of, but I'm just a little bit mindful that the season fizzled out a little bit for him.
"So, I was really surprised, if I'm honest with you, that Everton were willing to go to the valuation that Southampton had placed on Tyler Dibling.
"I think it's a lot of money, and I'm not sure that what he has done has warranted that kind of transfer fee.
"Having said all of that, Everton have paid for potential and that potential may just take a little bit of time to come to fruition, but when he does start playing on a more regular basis, he's going to be playing in a better Premier League team, one that's more competitive, one that's looking not to cling on, one that's going go out with the intention of winning games of football.
"Hopefully, it's a match made in heaven under a manager who couldn't know any more than what David Moyes does."
Moyes believes that Dibling, who is currently away with Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 international squad, has plenty to offer, but Evertonians might need to be patient with him.
He said: “Tyler is a quiet personality, but he’s certainly a technically gifted footballer, that’s for sure and he can do a lot of good things.
“He’s probably more of what we’re looking for in terms of he’s been through the Premier League and in the Championship and done a little bit more in our football.
“He might be a bit further ready than his age would suggest. We like him and we’re pleased to have him, and we hope that if we don’t see enough of him, then we certainly will in the years to come as well.”
Everton return to action at Manchester City on October 18.