Hayden Hackney has had to be patient since joining Everton, but the midfielder possesses a quality David Moyes’ side have sometimes lacked during their encouraging start to the season.
The 24-year-old arrived from Middlesbrough as the reigning Championship Player of the Season but has started only one Premier League game for Everton. His limited involvement has become more noticeable after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Chelsea, when Everton struggled to progress the ball through midfield, and Hackney remained on the bench.
So, is it time for Moyes to chuck him in?
What Hackney could give Everton
The strongest argument is his passing ability. According to FotMob, Hackney is averaging 17.4 line-breaking passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League. That leads Everton, ahead of Vitaliy Mykolenko on 12.5 and James Garner on 9.7.
He also averages a team-high 47.6 accurate passes per 90, completing 90.1 per cent of his attempts. The sample is small — Hackney has played only 149 Premier League minutes — but the numbers illustrate the qualities that make him different from the rest.
Everton lacked that progression against Chelsea. Moyes admitted afterwards that his side did not create enough, with Thierno Barry frequently isolated and too little happening through central areas and around Barry. Hackney demands possession and looks forward when he receives it. That could help Everton connect their deeper midfield with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish, and Barry.
Why Moyes may remain cautious
There is another side to the argument. Hackney’s desire to get forward can leave space behind him, something which becomes particularly important against ‘big six’ opponents. Jimmy Garner and Harrison Armstrong have provided Moyes with a midfield combination he trusts, and breaking that up for Saturday’s trip to Arsenal would carry risk.
That does not mean Hackney’s defensive limitations should prevent him playing. It may instead be about choosing when his strengths outweigh them and finding the right player alongside him.
The three selection decisions Moyes faces against Arsenal include precisely that midfield dilemma.
Does Hackney deserve more Everton minutes?
Perhaps Arsenal away is not the obvious occasion to hand Hackney his second league start. Everton are likely to spend long periods without possession, and Moyes understandably values his defensive structure. But leaving him unused when chasing Chelsea raised a different question and didn’t feel right.
Hackney has already shown his attacking value by providing an assist against Manchester United, while his ability to break lines offers something Everton do not have loads of. He also revealed this week that Moyes’ record of developing Championship players formed part of their discussions before his move.
Hackney does not necessarily need to start at the Emirates for Moyes to show greater faith in him. But Everton signed one of the Championship’s outstanding midfielders for a reason. It is increasingly time to find out how much he can offer in the Premier League.
For all the latest Everton analysis, team news and transfer updates, visit our Everton news page.
Comments.
Loading comments…