Hayden Hackney in action for Everton during 2026 pre-season and David Moyes in Everton jacket
Hayden Hackney in action for Everton during 2026 pre-season and David Moyes in Everton jacket
The midfielder joined the Toffees from Championship side Middlesbrough in the summer for a deal worth an initial £16million, which could rise to £24m with add-ons.
The 24-year-old placed his trust in David Moyes ahead of the likes of Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and many more Premier League sides.
Hackney started in the Blues' first Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace, playing 79 minutes in a 2-0 win over the Eagles at Hill Dickinson.
The former England U21s star has since lost his place in the side, with Moyes opting to start Harrison Armstrong and James Garner ahead of him.
But how long does Hackney want to have to wait before he's starting games for Everton?
Hayden Hackney clear on Everton message after David Moyes conversation
Hackney has admitted how hard it was to leave boyhood club Middlesbrough, where he won the Championship Player of the Year award last season
He has admitted to feeling guilty after making his feelings about moving to the Premier League clear after he was unable to get there himself with Boro.
However, he knows his own talent, which is why he craves to start games at Hill Dickinson.
While speaking to Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On podcast, Hackney was quizzed on his goals at Everton and how patient he is willing to be to get a chance under Moyes.
Akinfenwa asked: "What is the biggest piece of advice that was given to you?"
Hackney said: "I think the manager said on one of my first days that I'll have to be patient."
Akinfenwa cuts him off, asking: "Are you good at being patient?"
Hackney replied: "I want to play; every footballer wants to play the games. I understand where he [Moyes] is coming from.
"He said he'll try to build me in with the minutes and then hopefully I'm in a position where it's mine to lose, and then it's all on me."
The midfielder also revealed how he knows he's "ready" to start games after getting an early feel for Premier League football.
Evertonians have already seen how much he looks to get the ball moving forward when he does come off the bench.
But what else can the Redcar-born star bring to the pitch for Moyes?
Stats that show what Hackney can offer Moyes
Hackney grabbed an assist in Everton's dramatic 2-2 draw to Manchester United earlier this season, setting up Tyrique George for his first goal for the Blues.
It was the first real glimpse that Toffees fans saw of the midfielder getting on the ball and looking to make an impact.
As per FotMob data, Hackney completes an astonishing 17.9 line-breaking passes per 90 on average in the Premier League so far this season.
However, the idea that he doesn't chip in at the back is false, as his 7.05 defensive actions per game prove.
Moyes may need to take a chance on the promising star, who can be his controller in the middle of the park.