Everton are back. Eight weeks after their final-day defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues launch their pre-season schedule at Dundee FC on Saturday. The ECHO will be at Dens Park, and as welcome as the summer was, I’m looking forward to seeing the team in their new white, pinstriped away kit. Here is what I hope to see over the coming weeks.
A Tactical Identity
It will be too early to judge on Saturday, and results don’t matter until the season opener at home to Crystal Palace. But there is a massive contrast to last summer. Twelve months ago, David Moyes had a threadbare squad that left him little room for anything but survival. This summer, he begins with most of his key names: Jarrad Branthwaite is training with the first team, new signings Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, and Merlin Rohl are in place, and barring his World Cup stars, he can field close to his strongest XI.
With this in mind, I am hopeful of seeing an identity emerge. Last season, Everton adapted to situations. Given the talent at Finch Farm, it would be great to see a clear tactical approach so Everton can set the tone, pace, and style of games. That should be an ambition given the leadership team has had over 10 months to prepare a strategy.
A Genuine Opportunity for Tyler Dibling
With Iliman Ndiaye yet to return and Jack Grealish back at Manchester City, I hope Moyes perseveres with Tyler Dibling. Numerous factors led to his struggles last season, but none are insurmountable. This is a massive summer for the winger. A full pre-season with plenty of chances could breed confidence. Even last year, Moyes used square pegs on the wings—Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl played there, while Dwight McNeil was on the right despite his strength on the left.
I want Dibling and Tyrique George to be given the chance to run riot. How exciting would Everton be with those two in form? If they struggle, at least everyone will see how Moyes makes his decisions.
A First-Team Look at Braiden Graham
The most likely outcome for Braiden Graham is a loan move to senior football. But the teenager has excelled at every challenge since joining from Linfield, where he made his debut aged 15. In his first season at Everton, he was prolific for the U18s. Last season, he was prolific for the U21s. I understand Moyes’ reservations about using him late last season, but in early pre-season, it would be fascinating to see Graham, who has been training with the first team this week.
A Coherent Central Midfield
The arrival of Hackney and the likely departure of Idrissa Gueye (unless fresh terms are agreed) give Everton’s midfield a new look. I expect further changes—Carlos Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam have attracted interest, while Everton have considered options for a defensive midfielder, which I believe they need. Right now, plenty of players are vying for a spot. As positive as Rohl was against Manchester City, I don’t think he should be regularly used as a winger. I also want Harrison Armstrong kept in the fold unless a loan to a good European side can be agreed—one where he develops towards being central to this club.
More than anything, I hope to see a clear plan for the midfield. I’d be keen to see Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall drop deeper, and I hope Rohl isn’t pushed into an attacking midfield role unless his technical attributes match his physical ones.
A New Right Back
This one needs no explanation.
