Moyes is making the most of a ‘small squad’ at Everton
Everton F.C. manager David Moyes celebrates at full time during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Preston North End and Everton at Deepdale in Preston, on August 26, 2026. (Photo by Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
David Moyes discussed the developments of Everton in the early stages of the season as his team prepare for their first away day of the Premier League season against Bournemouth on Saturday.
·‘We've been trying to create more chances’
The Toffees tailed off dramatically at the backend of last season, conceding late goals against West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester City before a damning 3-1 defeat against Sunderland ended European aspirations. They have come out at the start of this campaign with a point to prove, earning commendable victories against Crystal Palace (2-0) and Preston North End (0-4) in the last week.
Moyes made clear his happiness with the group, but he continues to demand more from his players.
"We've played well in the games and also we've been trying to create more chances - I think that's certainly evident in the games against both Crystal Palace and Preston . That's a positive for us, we took some of the chances the other night [in the League Cup] and we had some bigger ones against Crystal Palace we could have taken.
"When you've got a small squad like we have, we need players who are going to be flexible, play different positions and accept different jobs at different times. [ Merlin Rohl ] has done really well and he's not a player who's questioning being out of position, so we're really happy with him."
Teams in the middle of the table are constantly fending off interest in their better players, and Evertonwill be eager to retain the services of Iliman Ndiaye. He is reportedly the player that Manchester City would be willing to take if Jack Grealish returned to Hill Dickinson Stadium. But as deadline day looms, Moyes did not want to give the media any clear indication of what the club are planning.
"There's no guarantee and to name one person would be wrong. We are in the recruitment business at the moment and looking to see if we can bring some players in if possible."