Everton manager David Moyes has shared exactly why he chose Dwight McNeil as the ideal replacement for Iliman Ndiaye over Tyler Dibling.
It was another frustrating 90 minutes for Everton, who had made an electric start to the game through more Iliman Ndiaye magic.
Ndiaye left pundits wowed with his goal against Sunderland in what felt like a real throwback in the modern day of set piece dominance.
However, Moyes was dealt with a setback in the second half when Ndiaye was withdrawn through a suspected injury issue.
Moyes has provided an update on Ndiaye’s injury, with precaution being taken over their star player during the game on Wearside.
But the incident did spark a big talking point among Everton fans, with Dibling overlooked as McNeil replaced the Senegal international.
Sunderland v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
David Moyes explains Tyler Dibling snub in Sunderland vs Everton
Just last week, it was suggested that those inside Everton feel Dibling is unfortunate with his lack of opportunities since signing in the summer.
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The 19-year-old is said to have impressed during Everton training back at Finch Farm, but that is not converting into minutes.
During his post-match press conference, Moyes admitted there was one main reason why McNeil got the nod over the youngster.
“Dwight’s been training really well this last couple of weeks and we thought that it would be the right moment for him,” Moyes told the press.
McNeil could be set to leave Everton in January, with a strong belief that other Premier League clubs could come calling.
The 25-year-old has struggled to earn any regular minutes from the starting XI this season following what was an impressive summer.
Peter Crouch was impressed with McNeil during his time with him at Burnley, and it seems he is doing more to impress Moyes during Everton training than Dibling currently.
Dibling needs minutes to develop
Harrison Armstrong is thriving on loan at Preston North End having been sent to Deepdale for the 2025/26 campaign to further his development.
Having just signed for big money over the summer, Dibling now finds himself warming the Everton bench after not even featuring for a single minute on Monday evening.
It has got to the point where some Everton fans are concerned about Dibling and the lack of opportunities he is getting under Moyes.
Tyler Dibling 25/26 (Premier League) Total
Appearances 4
Starts 1
Minutes 62
Goal contributions 0
With just 62 minutes of Premier League action this season, it is impossible to expect Dibling to develop his talent under these circumstances.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been poor for Everton recently, which could see a spot needing to be filled behind the striker.
This could offer Dibling an opportunity, but going off Moyes’ substitutions on Monday, there may be two other players ahead of him in the pecking order.