The biggest stories of an Everton pre-season do not always pertain to the transfer market.
New arrivals naturally attract attention, but every squad has players who reach a different level when circumstances change around them.
For David Moyes, the challenge is not simply adding quality. It is getting more from the players already at his disposal.
Everton will enter the 2026/27 season with greater depth, more competition for places and a clearer identity. That could allow several established players to take another step forward.
Here are five who could further excite Evertonians this season.
James Garner
Garner is no longer in the category of a player waiting to announce himself. Been there, done that.
He is now an England international and one of the most important figures in Everton’s squad.
His progress has been built on consistency. Whether operating deeper in midfield, playing in a more advanced role, or even as a stand-in right-back, Garner has developed into a player trusted for his energy, technical ability and understanding of the game.
His next challenge is leadership.
With Everton’s midfield evolving, not least from the arrival of Hayden Hackney, Garner has the opportunity to become the player who helps set the tempo.
His pressing ability, ability to carry the ball forward and willingness to take responsibility in possession make him a natural fit for the Moyes approach.
A season of improved numbers — more goals, more assists and more impact in the final third — would not be a surprise. It would be the next stage of his development.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Dewsbury-Hall’s first season at Everton was good, but it was also about adaptation.
His second could be about influencing and impacting games to an even greater degree.
The midfielder arrived with a proven reputation from Leicester City, where he was a key part of the side that won promotion under Enzo Maresca, but was followed by limited opportunities at Chelsea.
At Everton, he has shown the qualities that made him such an attractive signing: intelligence between the lines, relentless pressing and the ability to connect midfield with attack.
The question is not whether he can play in the Premier League. He already has. Does.
The question is whether he can become the player Everton can build their attacking structures around.
With more familiarity with his teammates and the Moyes methodology, Dewsbury-Hall has the chance to become one of the league’s most effective midfielders outside the ‘big six’.
Tim Iroegbunam
Iroegbunam is approaching a crucial stage of his Everton career.
Now entering his third season at the club, the midfielder has shown enough ability to suggest he can become an important player, but the next step is turning those performances into a sustained run of form, which may be tricky. It’s a crowded area of the pitch for Moyse in terms of options.
But his qualities are clear.
Iroegbunam brings physicality, defensive awareness and the ability to cover ground in midfield. In matches where Everton need control and aggression, those attributes are valuable.
The competition for places will, of course, be stronger this season, but that may work in his favour. Moyes has always valued midfielders who can influence the game without needing to dominate possession.
A consistent season could change his role within the squad. He just needs a chance and then to take it.
Merlin Rohl
Rohl arrived, initially on loan, with a strong reputation from German football, but his Everton story feels like it is only just beginning.
His appeal lies in his versatility. He can operate in several positions and offers something Everton have not always had enough of: a player comfortable carrying the ball through midfield and breaking defensive lines.
At 23, Rohl is no longer a prospect. He is at the stage where he needs to translate his ability into regular Premier League performances. And good ones.
A full pre-season, greater understanding of the league and increased familiarity with his team-mates could make a significant difference.
Everton have invested in Rohl because they believe he can become more than just a squad player.
This season will show whether that belief is justified.
Tyrique George
George represents Everton’s changing recruitment approach.
Rather than signing players approaching their peak, the club have increasingly looked for young players who can improve and grow with the team.
George has already shown flashes of the qualities Everton need in attack: pace, direct running and the confidence to take on defenders.
The next challenge is consistency.
Young attackers often need time to understand when to take risks and when to make the simpler pass. But the ingredients are there, and Moyes has shown throughout his career that he will trust players who demonstrate the right attitude.
If George can add an end product to his natural ability, he could become one of Everton’s most exciting attacking options. If Iliman Ndiaye were to depart, as has been suggested, it could mean more game time and more opportunities to shine.
The opportunity is there…
These are not players waiting for their careers to begin.
Garner is an England international. Dewsbury-Hall has Premier League and European experience. Iroegbunam is entering his third season at Everton. Rohl and George have already shown why the club invested in them.
The question is whether this ‘new’ Everton environment allows them to reach another level.
For Moyes, that may prove just as important as any future signing.
