Everton fans have been concerned about the lack of minutes for the likes of Tyler Dibling and Adam Aznou this season.
It has been a promising campaign so far with Everton firmly in contention for European football.
For the most part, David Moyes has leaned on his more experienced players, although recently we have seen Harrison Armstrong make an impact in the first-team.
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But there have not been too many opportunities for Tyler Dibling or Adam Aznou, who both signed for the club in the summer.
Moyes delivered a blunt message to Dibling over the weekend, suggesting he needs to pull his finger out.
Ahead of the game with Bournemouth, Moyes went into a bit more detail as to how he and Aznou can see more involvement.
David Moyes sends direct message to Tyler Dibling and Adam Aznou
Adam Aznou on the ball for Everton.
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At the moment, Dibling and Aznou are towards the bottom of the list of minutes played by Everton players this season.
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It would seem that either are particularly close to starting games at the moment, at least regularly.
At his press conference on Monday, Moyes was asked about the likes of Aznou and Dibling and what young players have to do to get minutes.
He said (via Everton’s YouTube channel): “The biggest thing is the level of the Premier League. The number of young players in the Premier League sadly is probably lower than it’s ever been, the amount of young players who are getting opportunities.
“You have to be at a completely special level now to get it. We could probably pull off some really top talent off the top of our heads. Those young players have got a lot to do. You’ve got to work incredibly hard.
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“They’ve got to have the physicality, the capabilities to cope in the Premier League and what’s required to do that. The speed, obviously the football awareness and desire to be at the level they are.
“We’ve also tried to bring on lots of young players over the years. Not all of them went on to be first-team players, but so many went on to have great careers. It’s part of the job to bring on our own. We’ve not got so many of our own at present. We’re hoping that can change.
“Bringing in Adam, Tyrique, Tyler, we hope that we’re starting to show signs that we’re bringing in younger players as well. We need the experienced players to help.
It’s time for Dibling and Aznou to make their pushes
Fans have clamoured to see Dibling and Aznou play more this season.
But it’s clear that Moyes simply doesn’t feel they are regular starter material just yet.
Moyes’ mention of ‘the physicality’ and ‘the capabilities to cope in the Premier League’ was an interesting remark.
Adam Aznou puts his hands on his hips.
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Obviously Dibling is a brilliant technician, so perhaps Moyes wants to see a bit more from him in terms of his physicality.
Aznou – who missed out on Everton’ squad to face Fulham – we haven’t seen much of, but his physical profile doesn’t compare to most of the other players in the squad.
Hopefully, both of these promising youngsters will heed the advice from Moyes and force their way into the side in the coming weeks.
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