David Moyes is certainly a role model around Everton as he looks to make more history in his second tenure.
After his first six months since coming back to Merseyside, the Scotsman has been a resounding success.
After Moyes won manager of the month just three months into his return, it’s clear The Friedkin Group made the right decision.
Now, Everton are aiming higher as the Toffees manager has the big task of gaining European football once again.
His management style is what the Blues were missing after Sean Dyche’s time at the club, and it seems like a former player has picked up his expertise elsewhere.
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Davy Klaassen says Former Everton star John Heitinga manages like David Moyes
The Scotsman has inspired many former players to go on to do great things, some more closer to home, with Moyes loving Leighton Baines’ role at Everton.
As a Toffees legend, Baines has a bright future as a coach, and Moyes’ stewardship will only make him better, but John Heitinga is also someone showing promise.
The Dutchman made 140 appearances during the Everton boss’ first stint, and now the 41-year-old is on his own journey in the managerial world, now coaching Ajax.
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It’s a big role for the former Blues star, who might have a bit of bad blood with Evertonians after Heitinga coached Liverpool, but after leaving, he has the chance to become a success in the Netherlands, and another former player in Davy Klaassen, said his manager reminds him of Moyes.
Speaking to the Print Edition of ADnl (08/08/25), the Everton flop said: “You can tell that he has worked with David Moyes and Arne Slot.
“It’s hard to explain, but you can sense in everything that he, as is also the case with players, has matured a bit.”
The Scotsman has clearly rubbed off on the Dutchman, who spent five years at Goodison Park, as Everton fans might want to keep an eye on his journey.
John Heitinga could be David Moyes’ Everton successor if Ajax tenure goes well
With Moyes looking to start The Friedkins’ project, it’s unlikely he will have a long-term chapter.
This means another candidate will need to be lined up as the Toffees boss will only aim to steady the ship and get Everton back on track, with the door potentially open for Heitinga.
Arne Slot praised Heitinga’s work highly as he looks to be an exciting coach, and managing a team the size of Ajax at 41 exemplifies that.
Although his Liverpool stint was a tough one to take, Heitinga’s credentials are only set to get better, and after his history with Everton, who’s to say he can’t land the manager role in the future?
Moyes will no doubt have a high recommendation for the former defender, and if it brings qualities of the 62-year-old, he could be the perfect successor.