Tyler Dibling has experienced somewhat of a reality check since joining Everton after his reputation skyrocketed with Southampton.
David Moyes welcomed nine new faces over the summer transfer window at Everton and two of those players, Dibling and Adam Aznou, have failed to make an impact.
Dibling arrived from the south coast on the back of a big-money transfer believed to be worth in the region of £40m.
The Friedkin Group’s investment on Merseyside has not translated into goals and assists from the youngster, who is struggling to even earn himself minutes under Moyes.
At Southampton, Dibling was tipped as a £100m prospects, but that expectation has come crashing down at his feet.
Did Everton make a massive mistake in signing Tyler Dibling? 🫣
He's really struggling on Merseyside! ❌
Tyler Dibling warming up for Everton in the Carabao Cup vs Wolves
Credit: Getty Images/Jan Kruger
As his time at Finch Farm fails to get off the ground, comparing his 2024/25 campaign to this season’s statistics highlights where the 20-year-old is going wrong.
Everton v Sunderland - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
Tyler Dibling’s attacking numbers are faltering at Everton
Moyes believes Dibling needs to show improved physicality, which the 62-year-old has actually directed to a number of his players.
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Although the lack of regular minutes has to be taken into consideration, there are clear indications that Dibling’s average attacking figures have dropped since joining Everton.
How can Tyler Dibling actually turn things around at Everton? 🤷♂️
It's going to need some turnaround from the youngster 😫
David Moyes quote on Everton flop Tyler Dibling
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Livesey
Playing more frequently for Southampton certainly helped to grow those numbers, but there are some interesting takeaways to be noted.
Per game 2024/25 2025/26
xG (Expected goals) 2.56 0.2
xA (Expected assists) 1.46 0.16
Big chances created 3 0
Accurate crosses 25% 14%
Successful dribbles 1.4 1.0
Ground duels won 3.9 2.3
Possession lost 8.0 4.4
Even the one negative stat, where Dibling lost possession more last season, that indicates the 20-year-old was making more attempts to dribble past his man.
James Garner wants Dibling to step up as the midfielder admitted the whole Everton squad need to show their worth, not just the usual group of players.
The 20-year-old will be suffering from a drop in confidence. The winger has gone from being one of England’s hottest prospect to barely being able to secure himself any minutes.
Moyes has admitted he’s excited by Tyrique George’s arrival as the Scot’s explanation suggested he could provide what Dibling is not.
Dibling is still waiting to achieve that connection with the fans, which suggests he needs to show more risk when he does get his opportunity on the pitch.
Dibling was unable to take his Iliman Ndiaye opportunity at Everton
Moyes has urged Dibling to show him more in an Everton shirt after the 62-year-old issued a clear rant towards the winger.
The Everton boss admitted he needs Dibling to ‘pull his finger out’ and show him more.
Dibling was handed a run in the side when Iliman Ndiaye was away at the Africa Cup of Nations, but he simply did not take his chance.
Everton feel they’ve rushed Ndiaye back into action and that is a result of Dibling not showing what it takes to replace the Senegal international.
Four league starts for Everton is simply not what Moyes would have been hoping for from a player who cost the club such a significant sum of money.
The question now is what next step does Dibling take on Merseyside?
There was the perfect chance for Dibling to play with Everton’s U21s on Monday against Burnley, with the senior side not having a game for almost two weeks.
However, Moyes did not deploy the struggling winger in what would certainly have been a damning indication of where his career currently stands.
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