Opinion

Everton player’s preferred role looks a world away as David Moyes prepares to add Jack Grealish

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Everton are set to make another signing, with the club reaching an agreement to land Jack Grealish on loan – and the move could be interesting to consider for one current player.

Everton are set to sign Grealish on loan for the 2025/26 campaign after reaching an agreement earlier today.

Things have moved quickly, and Jack Grealish is already undergoing his medical.

It is one of the most eye-catching deals of the summer, with Grealish obviously still a very high profile Premier League player despite his struggles at Manchester City in recent times.

There is a hope that this move could reignite his career.

Indeed, pundit Tony Cascarino believes Grealish joining Everton could be ideal for him, and his hopes of getting back in the England squad.

But it’s a move that could also really benefit Everton too, as David Moyes targets a potential push for Europe.

But Grealish’s arrival may not be such good news for one player.

Dwight McNeil central role now looks unlikely with Everton set to sign Grealish

Dwight McNeil playing for Everton.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Grealish has predominantly played on the left for City.

But at Aston Villa, he operated both out wide and centrally.

City’s initial plan after signing him for £100 million from Aston Villa, was actually to use him centrally, but that plan quickly changed.

There is every chance we could be seeing Grealish in the 10 role for Everton.

But Moyes has options. Iliman Ndiaye can also play in the middle just behind the striker, and so can Carlos Alcaraz, signed permanently this summer after a successful loan spell last season.

And against AS Roma on Saturday, Moyes played Dewsbury-Hall as a 10.

That’s four players capable of playing that position, and that could potentially mean that Dwight McNeil might have to be extremely patient to play there.

McNeil admitted earlier this year that playing centrally is his preferred role, rather than being on the right wing.

He had said earlier this year: “I think I’m definitely stronger from coming through what I faced with injuries last season. The think that was most frustrating for me was how well I’d started the season.

“I was playing mostly in the centre, where I want to play, so that was really frustrating and with it being my first serious injury, I didn’t know how to handle the situation. It was me taking a step back from everything, like social media and being away from the lads and stuff like that.”

McNeil’s position will be fascinating this season

This is now going to be a very interesting season for £20 million signing (BBC Sport) O’Neil.

Grealish is signing and he is going to play at every opportunity, barring a huge loss of form. Everton are simply investing too much money for him to continue warming the bench like he has been at City.

Dwight McNeil for Everton in 2024/25 all competitions
Appearances – 23
Minutes played – 1551
Goals – 5
Assists – 8

Ndiaye is very possibly Everton’s best player, and will start every game.

So one of those two will be in that 10 role most of the time. And then there is Alcaraz, another option for the 10 role and Dewsbury-Hall can play there if needed.

Jack Grealish smiles on the Man City bench.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images

We know Everton are determined to sign a right winger and depending on who that is, McNeil actually may have a real battle on his hands starting games regularly for the Toffees this season.

But certainly, him actually playing in his preferred role as a 10 looks very far away now amid Everton’s recent activity.