Tyler Dibling produced plenty to enjoy in Everton’s Carabao Cup win over Wolves, but one of the biggest reactions he received from the Hill Dickinson came for something rather less glamorous.
Patrick Boyland picked out a passage of play which probably told David Moyes as much about the youngster as anything he did with the ball. Dibling produced an inspired pass and then, when possession was lost, raced back to make the recovery run and tackle.
As Boyland put it:
“The pass is inspired but Moyes will love the recovery run & tackle. Got big round of applause on sidelines”
And that applause probably tells its own story. Evertonians will always appreciate a clever pass, a dribble or a goal, but they’ve traditionally had plenty of time for players who chase back, make tackles and do the less glamorous stuff for the team.
They certainly noticed Dibling doing it.
Evertonians want Tyler Dibling to succeed
There was plenty of expectation surrounding Dibling when he arrived at Everton and, understandably for a young player, it has taken a little time for everything to come together.
Against Wolves there were more encouraging signs. His ability with the ball was evident, but so too was the willingness to work when Everton didn’t have it.
Moyes will have enjoyed that recovery run. Judging by the applause around the Hill Dickinson, he wasn’t alone.
Mark Carney and Andy Burnham were among the Evertonians watching from the stands on Tuesday night. Whether they joined in that particular round of applause is sadly lost to history, but they’d have had plenty of company if they did.
It was one small moment in a 1-0 cup win, and Dibling did plenty of more eye-catching things besides. But the reaction was revealing.
Evertonians want this lad to succeed. And when he produces a moment of skill followed almost immediately by the sort of graft they have always appreciated, they’ll let him know about it.
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