Everton have reached the international break unbeaten this season, and Tyler Dibling is giving David Moyes another reason to be encouraged.
The teenager followed an impressive performance in the Carabao Cup win over Wolves with another lively appearance from the bench as Everton beat Ipswich Town 1-0 at the Hill Dickinson on Saturday.
Dibling pushing for more Everton minutes
Dibling replaced Brennan Johnson after 66 minutes against Ipswich and looked comfortable again at Premier League level.
There was some useful context to his appearance, with Abdul Fatawu dismissed for Ipswich just a minute after Dibling came on. Everton therefore spent most of his time on the pitch playing against ten men, but the youngster still made good use of the opportunity.
It followed his start against Wolves three days earlier, when Dibling produced the assist for Carlos Alcaraz’s late winner and was voted man of the match by supporters.
Two performances will not force Moyes into changing a side that remains unbeaten, but Dibling is beginning to make his case for more minutes. That is particularly useful for a manager who has spoken about working with a relatively small senior squad.
Moyes now knows he has another genuine option on the right rather than simply cover for Johnson. Dibling’s progress also adds to the competition provided by Tyrique George, while Hayden Hackney was given another brief outing against Ipswich when he replaced Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in stoppage time.
There has been more good news for Everton since Saturday.
James Garner was added to the senior England squad on Monday following several withdrawals and joins Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite in Thomas Tuchel’s group.
Dibling and George have meanwhile been named in England’s Under-21 squad for their forthcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Selection problems … of the good kind
For Dibling, the immediate question is what happens when club football resumes. He has now followed a strong cup display with another encouraging contribution in the Premier League and, unlike a fortnight ago, Moyes has a growing body of evidence on which to judge him.
As the Liverpool Echo reported, his progress is beginning to give the Everton manager another selection option.
Dibling does not necessarily need to displace anybody yet; if he continues to make an impression, though, Moyes will find it increasingly difficult not to give him more of them.
LIVE! Premier League 2026/27 News, Transfers, Updates & Viral Moments
Everton news & talking points: TFG sale claim, Blackburn and international break
Everton news & talking points: TFG sale claim, Blackburn and international break
Aiden McGeady identifies Everton concern despite unbeaten start under David Moyes
Aiden McGeady identifies Everton concern despite unbeaten start under David Moyes