Everton fans once again watched Tyler Dibling struggle during the 1-1 draw against Leeds on Monday.
David Moyes handed the England U21 international 19 minutes of action as Everton were made to settle for a point at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the £40m arrival from Southampton again failed to show the talent which excited so many last season.
It is now 16 appearances without a goal or assist for the 19-year-old across all competitions.
However – in fairness to Tyler Dibling – Moyes may well be using him in the wrong position.
How would you describe David Moyes’ handling of Tyler Dibling so far? 😕
He's made just one league start ahead of Arsenal…
David Moyes must deploy Tyler Dibling in a central role
The Everton No.20 has played exclusively on the right wing since joining the Toffees, but does not seem to possess the burst of pace required to beat an opposition full-back.
Dibling lost possession seven times against Leeds and completed just four of the nine dribbles he attempted.
However, when you look back at his best moments at Southampton, the majority of his goals come from a central area.
As you can see from one particularly clinical afternoon at St James’ Park back in April 2022, Dibling netted a hat-trick within the opening 45 minutes for Southampton’s B team at the age of just 16, with each goal coming after a driving run through the middle.
The teenager also scored two Premier League goals for Southampton last season, and each of those came inside the box from a central position.
It is becoming abundantly clear that Dibling does not possess the raw speed required to be a winger in the Premier League, so the sooner Moyes gets him closer to goal and playing in a central attacking midfield position, the better.
David Moyes needs to back Tyler Dibling like he has supported Thierno Barry
Roughly a month ago, Moyes decided to stop rotating Beto and Thierno Barry, simply putting his faith in the latter as his main man.
The Frenchman has since scored four goals in his last five Premier League appearances, and is even taking more responsibility in training at Finch Farm.
How impressed were you with Thierno Barry vs Leeds United? 👏
Now, Moyes needs to do the same for Dibling, who looked devoid of confidence during that 1-1 draw against Leeds as he continues to find his feet on Merseyside.
Last season delivered enough proof that the Exeter-born wonderkid is a special talent, hence why Everton spent £40m on his services, so nobody should be giving up on him just yet.
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