Everton's list of attacking absentees has thrust Tyler Dibling firmly into the spotlight. With Iliman Ndiaye away at the Africa Cup of Nations, along with injuries to Charly Alcaraz and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the 19-year-old has started the past three matches, with his efforts being met with mixed reviews. The winger's performance away at Nottingham Forest last Tuesday was described by local media as his "best display" since arriving in August following a £35m switch from Southampton.
Everton's list of attacking absentees has thrust Tyler Dibling firmly into the spotlight.
With Iliman Ndiaye away at the Africa Cup of Nations, along with injuries to Charly Alcaraz and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the 19-year-old has started the past three matches, with his efforts being met with mixed reviews.
The winger's performance away at Nottingham Forest last Tuesday was described by local media as his "best display" since arriving in August following a £35m switch from Southampton. It was the only occasion where he has completed the full 90 minutes for his new club, with manager David Moyes saying Dibling showed "real character" at the City Ground.
It is fair to say none of the Everton outfield players shone during the first half against Brentford.
However, I was not surprised Dibling did not make it back out onto the pitch following the break. The club's biggest summer expenditure (a deal worth £40m in total) committed more fouls than crosses and, as the anxiety and groans among those in the stands became more palpable, the youngster appeared to lack any real belief he could take on his man.
There was no evidence he felt he could produce the moments of fearlessness, flair and magic that we witnessed from him last season in a Southampton shirt.
Moyes has always made it clear he sees Dibling as a long-term project. Rewinding back to the manager's comments when the signing was first announced, the Scot used the words "talent", "young" and "potential". The England Under-21 international himself admitted he was looking forward to learning from his team-mates, citing Jack Grealish and Ndiaye specifically.
Everton are not a club renowned for splashing cash, especially following their recent issues with Profit and Sustainability Regulations. Dibling will not be the first footballer struggling with not only the weight of his price tag, but the increased expectations and scrutiny that comes from joining a bigger club.
Dibling is still to register an assist or a goal in his new surroundings. Everton fans trust in Moyes, so for those growing impatient by the teenager's current inconsistency, I would heed the words of their manager: "We are eager to build a team that Evertonians can enjoy watching and be proud of - and Tyler can help us achieve that."
Category: General Sports
