David Moyes has urged patience over the development of Tyler Dibling, Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George at Everton, pointing to some of the club’s most successful former players as evidence that new signings can need time to establish themselves.
The trio arrived at Everton during the summer as part of a significant reshaping of Moyes’ squad, but their involvement has varied during the opening weeks of the Premier League season. George has made four league starts, while Hackney has started once and Dibling is yet to make the starting XI. According to our Everton player stats tracker, Hackney had played 150 Premier League minutes before Saturday’s trip to Arsenal, with Dibling limited to 28.
Asked about the game time of the three players at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Moyes drew on his first spell at Everton to explain why there should be no rush to judge their progress.
Moyes points to Baines, Cahill and Jagielka
“My history would suggest – Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Tim Cahill – all those ones who came in might’ve had to wait a bit of time before they became first-team regulars,” Moyes said. “I’m not saying these players have to do that. But hopefully, they develop as well as those boys did.”
Moyes also made clear that opportunities will need to be taken when they arrive, adding: “When they come on, hopefully they can show what they’re capable of.”
The comparison is particularly relevant to Hackney, who has already spoken about Moyes’ record of developing players recruited from the Championship. The 24-year-old arrived as last season’s Championship Player of the Season and recently revealed that Moyes’ track record was part of their discussions before his Everton move.
Hackney has nevertheless had to remain patient since arriving from Middlesbrough. We have also looked at whether it is time for Moyes to give him a greater role in Everton’s midfield, particularly after he remained an unused substitute during the defeat by Chelsea.
Armstrong shows Everton pathway is open
Moyes’ handling of Harrison Armstrong provides a contrast to the situations of Dibling, Hackney and George. The 19-year-old started each of Everton’s opening seven Premier League matches, with the manager admitting on Friday that his progress has been quicker than anticipated.
Moyes praised Armstrong’s football intelligence and adaptability, while also revealing that he continues to demand more goals, assists and forward passing from the midfielder. That helps put his comments about Everton’s other younger players into context. Moyes is not suggesting Dibling, Hackney and George must follow an identical timetable, but his message is that limited minutes now should not be taken as a judgement on their longer-term prospects.
His first spell at Everton produced several examples of players who required patience before becoming established members of the side. Dibling, Hackney and George will now be looking to make the same progression when their opportunities arrive.
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