Everton’s addition of Tyler Dibling is a major boost following David Moyes’ side beating Brighton.
After a fantastic attacking showing for the Hill Dickinson Stadium’s opener, this season has suddenly turned very promising.
There were concerns following the defeat to Leeds United, but the perception might have changed with Evertonians.
With the arrival of the 19-year-old as well, it only makes their chances of success higher, and Dibling is eligible for Mansfield Town.
But Theo Walcott has raised an intriguing prediction about the youngster, which many Everton fans may not expect.
Tyler Dibling clapping the Southampton fans.
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Theo Walcott would like to see Tyler Dibling play on the left for Everton
After the Toffees’ success versus Brighton, it will be difficult for the Scotsman to make many changes for their next Premier League encounter against Wolves.
For once, the Everton boss will have a headache about where to play his assets, as even James Garner played brilliantly at left-back, which gives Moyes another option.
But now Dibling has added another equation to be solved, and speaking to BBC Sport, former Blues star Walcott believes the young midfielder will start in an unfamiliar position.
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“I feel like someone like Dewsbury Hall may need to drop back next to Idrissa Gueye. Ndiaye to be honest behind Barry and Tyler Dibling on the left!”
It’s certainly a surprise from the pundit, as Dibling is known to be predominantly a right-winger, and Jack Grealish excelled on the left side on his first start.
Instead, Moyes does have another option for the 19-year-old, which could work effectively.
Tyler Dibling could also play in the number ten for Everton
Dibling on the left would certainly be a solution due to his quality, but having Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye, who can occupy that side, is already enough.
Moyes will have plenty of choices to make in finding the most fluid attack, but judging by the Brighton win, Grealish on the left and Ndiaye on the right should be the way forward.
Grealish inspired the Ndiaye connection, but what could be done is playing Dibling in the ten, as the new £40 million star has experience in this role, having played in a right attacking midfield role for Southampton at times, which shows he can flourish in the pockets through the middle of the park.
One game stood out against Wolves from the 2024/25 campaign, where the youngster was a different class, and it could be his destiny with the Toffees moving forward.
Minutes played 90
Dribble success % 5/7 (most in-game)
Fouls won 5 (most in-game)
Duels won 18 (most in-game)
Touches in opposition box 8
Passing accuracy % 90%
Tyler Dibling’s statistics in Southampton 1-2 Wolves from 2024/25 season, as per FotMob
His close-ball control could make him a nightmare in the creative role, and Walcott’s suggestion to play Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall deeper could work to a tee.
There are plenty of alternatives flying about, but for structure and consistency, this should be the way forward.