Everton are set for an important January with Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye departing the club for the Africa Cup of Nations.
This is going to provide David Moyes with some intriguing decisions to make on Merseyside as they also welcome the January transfer window.
Moyes was delighted with Everton’s summer business, with nine new signings being brought through the doors at Finch Farm.
However, Everton are going to need more over the course of January, with a significant number of players departing the club over the summer.
Losing Ndiaye and Gueye may expose some issues in Everton’s depth, with Moyes forced to hand out some opportunities to players who will not have played much football thus far.
There will be a big opportunity for Everton to bolster their squad in January, but Alan Stubbs is hoping to see two specific players shine.
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Alan Stubbs wants Everton duo to shine over January signings
Everton News columnist Alan Myers expects Everton to target three January signings to complement the work done over the summer.
Former Everton player Stubbs, however, wants to see the likes of Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl finally handed an opportunity to shine in the starting XI.
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Speaking on A View From The Bullens podcast, Stubbs has admitted the duo will now hopefully get their chance to prove themselves on Merseyside.
“I think this January window is just as important for the players who are still here, because you look at the players we’re going to lose in Ndiaye and Gueye, they’re two big players for us,” said Stubbs.
“I think it’s more important for the players that are here. The likes of Merlin Rohl and the likes of Tyler Dibling, it’s a big time for them to step up and put in performances.
“So, I think it’s bigger for the players who are left behind.”
Dibling struggled over the international break with England’s U21s as the 19-year-old barely featured amid his own Everton struggles.
Everton News understands that Everton remain confident in Dibling, with his opportunity potentially set to come during Ndiaye’s absence.
Everton need Tyler Dibling to step up in Iliman Ndiaye’s absence
It feels like now is the time for Moyes to slowly start handing out more minutes to Dibling in preparation for Ndiaye’s exit for AFCON.
Some Everton fans are growing concerned over Moyes’ treatment of Dibling, with outcast Dwight McNeil chosen ahead of the summer signing against Sunderland.
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“He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen. Tyler has every capability to go and play for England and at a top level club for a very long time.”
A huge opportunity will be handed to the former Southampton winger when Ndiaye departs, but it will mark his first major chunk of minutes since joining the club – if he is selected.
Moyes admitted Dibling is battling Ndiaye and Jack Grealish for a spot in the starting XI, which is the reason he has not played much.
But he will soon have that opportunity to really showcase his ability to the 62-year-old manager.