Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Tyler Dibling got a few minutes at the end of Everton’s win against Burnley, but cameos like that could be the extent of his involvement amid the revival of Dwight McNeil.
It has been a tricky first season for Tyler Dibling, who there was great excitement over when he was signed from Southampton.
After establishing himself as one of the brightest young English talents on the scene, hopes were high for Dibling to kick on.
David Moyes quote on Everton flop Tyler Dibling
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Livesey
But that’s not been the case, with the youngster being one of the least used players in Everton’s squad so far this season.
And his task of becoming a regular starter has now been further complicated with the resurgence of Dwight McNeil.
Regular Everton minutes for Tyler Dibling look a world away
Tyler Dibling warming up for Everton.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
As Crystal Palace came in for McNeil on transfer deadline day, it looked as though things may have been about to change for the better for Dibling.
But of course, in a situation that is now infamous, Palace pulled out of the deal and McNeil had to stay put.
Initially McNeil didn’t play for Everton, with Moyes perhaps affording the player some time to digest what had happened.
Now he’s back in the picture, and he looks a prominent figure again.
He’s made back-to-back starts for Everton, and McNeil’s performance against Burnley was absolutely superb.
Few would have really predicted this resurgence, given how close he came to leaving. So in that sense, this is rather unforeseen.
An overview of Everton's Dwight McNeil and his performance vs Burnley.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport.
But it’s happened, and Moyes was delighted with his showing and now seems very ready to call on him moving forward, despite being happy for him to move only a few weeks ago.
And this is the very last thing Dibling needed at Everton.
Dibling actually did get thrown on against Burnley, but he only got a few minutes at the end – and it feels like that might be all that’s there for him in the remaining games this season now, given the competition.
McNeil becoming a key option again only makes his life harder.
Dwight McNeil playing for Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Dibling loan move could be on the cards
This summer will be interesting for Dibling.
His first season hasn’t really gone how he or anybody would have hoped, and there are no immediate signs of the situation changing.
Tyler Dibling for Everton
Appearances – 18
Minutes played – 520
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Yellow/red cards – 2/0
It may well be that Everton look to get Dibling out on loan somewhere next season.
Of course, it’s still possible that McNeil could end up leaving in the summer, and it’s still unclear at this stage if Tyrique George will be signed permanently.
But irrespective of those things, Dibling may still be considered for a loan exit to build some minutes and confidence.