Everton manager David Moyes is preparing for life without Iliman Ndiaye who departs next week for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Absences of players like Ndiaye will offer others like Tyler Dibling with an opportunity to show the manager just what he is capable of.
Moyes has been impressed with what he has seen in recent weeks at Everton, but the real test is going to begin in the absence of his best player.
Tim Iroegbunam has said Dibling’s been very quiet in and around Finch Farm since he joined Everton.
The 19-year-old has not really been given his opportunity to shine on a regular basis, but that could soon be about to change.
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David Moyes shares Tyler Dibling opportunity at Everton
Tony Hibbert has urged Dibling to be patient and wait for his opportunity to come in the Everton side.
That now feels like a matter of days away, with Ndiaye leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations following the game against Chelsea on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge, Moyes covered what he is expecting from the likes of Dibling over the coming weeks.
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What would you realistically like to see from Tyler Dibling whilst Ndiaye is away? 👋
An overview of Tyler Dibling's 2025/26 Premier League season with Everton.
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“There’s a few [players], Charly Alcaraz, Dwight McNeil who are all keen to get selected and put into the side,” said Moyes.
“They’ll all be used and I’ve got no doubt about that in the coming weeks and months.”
It has been suggested that Moyes does not trust Dibling defensively just yet, but the youngster has now had a number of months to get to grips with the expectations on Merseyside.
Dibling has had to be patient, but he also needs to be ready to take his opportunity when it comes in Ndiaye’s absence.
Moyes must select Tyler Dibling over Dwight McNeil
Ndiaye’s absence will be the perfect opportunity for Dibling to get a run in the team, which has not been on offer all season.
However, the 62-year-old mooted to it during the press conference and Moyes has already preferred McNeil over Dibling in the away game against Sunderland.
If Dwight McNeil plays over Tyler Dibling, what would would you advise him to do in January? 🫣
David Moyes quote on Tyler Dibling at Everton.
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If Everton are going to develop Dibling then this simply cannot happen again.
It would be a damning indication on what Moyes thinks of his big-money summer signing if he selects McNeil over the youngster.
And it may lead to a bigger question being raised over his immediate future.
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