- Dewsbury-Hall credits David Moyes for unlocking his best Premier League form.
- Everton’s midfield maestro embraces a new attacking role in the European chase.
- Struck by the passion of Evertonians and how many Everton fans in Liverpool.
In an exclusive interview with thebullensview podcast, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall offered a fascinating inside look at his ‘rebirth’ at Everton under the auspices of David Moyes.
The 27-year-old midfielder was in relaxed mode as he opened up about the tactical freedom he’s been afforded at the Hill Dickinson. He also spoke of his growing bond with Evertonians.
On tactical freedom and David Moyes…
He was quick to credit Moyes for his form, which he describes as the best of his career. He’s already racked up nine goal involvements (six goals and three assists) this season. He feels that finally he is being used to his full potential.
“He [Moyes] has given me a lot of freedom to play on the pitch. I don’t really feel like I’m restricted to one thing. I can drop deep, collect the ball and drive from deep. But I can also be in and around the box, trying to get into the box to score and create chances.”
The midfielder explained that this trust has boosted his confidence and belief massively:
“I just feel like he’s given me that confidence and belief to trust in my abilities. It’s helping my all-round game in terms of attack and defense. I want to be that all-round midfielder, and I think the way that we play contributes to that.”
On embracing the number 10 role…
One of the biggest changes this season for Dewsbury-Hall is that he is being asked to operate higher up the pitch. Sometimes he slots in just off Thierno Barry or Beto, and sometimes drops off into the deeper playmaker role. It’s something he is relishing:
“I’ve played as a 10 more often this season, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I think I can offer a lot in that position. That’s when I’m playing my best football. The fact that I can get the ball, get the team ticking, but then also be dangerous in areas where I have to be.”
On the “Everton way” and European ambitions…
He reflected on the club’s current rise to eighth in the Premier League – their highest position at this stage of the season since 2021. He also spoke of how everyone at the club is looking at how high they can finish as opposed. No more looking over their shoulder and counting how many points are needed to stay up.
Instead, he made it clear that the focus is firmly on Europe.
“This is a mad league this year. We want to be in the European spots, and we have a lot of important games. It is down to us now, and it is on us. If we want to achieve something, we have to show it.”
He also touched on the unique atmosphere engendered by the Everton fans. He noted that the “dogs of war” spirit is very much alive and (literally) kicking:
“We don’t need to be playing silky football. It’s about being in people’s faces and getting aggressive. It doesn’t take a lot for it (the Hill Dickinson) to become loud. It might only take one tackle, one press.”
On settling into Merseyside…
When asked about his moves from the Midlands to London and then to Liverpool, he spoke of how struck he was by the intensity of the city’s footballing culture:
“Evertonians in Liverpool are everywhere. You can’t go anywhere without someone wanting to talk about the game. I love that pressure; it reminds you every day who you’re playing for.”
With seven games to go, the Blues sit eight points off a potential Champions League place. Dewsbury-Hall’s influence will be one of the deciding factors in whether the Toffees can turn this “exciting transition” into something really special. Like a return to Europe.
