A former Chelsea star was instantly the subject of his team-mates' light-hearted ridicule, but just 12 months later he was shown the door
Ben Crawford GAU Writer
08:00, 25 Jan 2026
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with Enzo Maresca, during a Chelsea FC Training Session ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was dubbed a teacher's pet under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea before his transfer away(Image: Getty)
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall only signed for Chelsea from Leicester City in the summer of 2024 but has already left and is now starring for Everton. When he arrived at Stamford Bridge, the Englishman's relationship with then-manager Enzo Maresca earned him a comical nickname.
The Nottingham-born midfielder emerged from Leicester's academy ranks to stake his claim on the first team after a series of loan spells. He impressed in the Premier League but when his side were relegated in 2023, he really showed his ability.
Dewsbury-Hall was instrumental to Maresca's Leicester side bouncing straight back up from the Championship as league winners. He was named the Players' Player of the Season and the Men's Player of the Season under the Italian manager.
Upon Leicester's return to the top flight, Maresca was snapped up by Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino. Soon after Dewsbury-Hall joined him after being signed for a reported £30million. Of course, his relationship with the new boss earned him the moniker of 'the teacher's pet' but his time in west London was incredibly short.
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Soon after making his Chelsea move, Dewsbury-Hall was asked about the lighthearted label he had been slapped with He said: "A couple of the lads have had a laugh and joke. I don't mind - it's all fun and games.
"It is quite weird [already knowing Maresca], but it has almost helped me a bit to settle in. It has helped me a lot because I can have more conversations with people.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Enzo Maresca after Chelsea's 3-1 win over Wolves
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Dewsbury-Hall was given little chance to impress at Chelsea(Image: Getty)
"It has also helped me get a really good bond with the lads over the last couple of weeks. I've fitted in really well and that is a credit to them because they've been class."
But at Stamford Bridge, the Englishman failed to replicate the impressive performances of the previous season. He made only 13 Premier League appearances, starting just two games. It was in the UEFA Conference League where he was given opportunities and he played in every single match as Chelsea romped to the final, overcoming Real Betis 4-1 to lift the trophy.
Regardless of his relationship with Maresca, who was relieved from his duties at the turn of the year and replaced by Liam Rosenior, Dewsbury-Hall didn't cut it at Chelsea. In the summer of 2025, he sought a permanent move away.
Everton came in for the 27-year-old and paid a reported £25m for his services in August 2025. Since the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Dewsbury-Hall has been a revelation and under David Moyes he already has four league goals to his name.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall upon signing for Everton FC
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The 27-year-old moved to Everton last summer(Image: Everton FC)
Dewsbury-Hall is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, which has kept him sidelined since mid-December. But speaking just before this setback, it seems there is definitely more to come from the former teacher's pet.
"I came to Everton for a reason. I saw something that looked pretty special to me. It's a nice project and I'm glad that it's starting to feel this good now," he said in December.
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"Obviously, joining a new club you want to fit in and now I'm starting to feel like I'm really settled. I'm feeling the best I've ever felt, so long may that continue and I'm just happy that I'm contributing to the team getting points and getting up the table."
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