Several stories strongly suggest Everton want to sign at least one new winger this summer.
BILD in Germany say Everton are expected to bid for Said El Mala – the FC Koln No.7 who typically plays on the left of the attack for the Bundesliga side.
The Toffees also like Abdul Fatawu of Leicester – the Ghana international who is expected to be sold this summer for financial reasons, even if the Foxes avoid dropping into League One.
However, Everton have already shelled out millions on a winger who David Moyes is hardly using in Tyler Dibling – a player with just four Premier League starts to his name this summer.
How we could do with one of these guys right now! 😫
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A lot of money was spent on the 20-year-old, £40m to be exact, so we doubt he will be sold after just one season, but the interest in numerous wingers suggests to us that Everton could well be planning to change his position.
Why Everton might be plotting a central role for Tyler Dibling
The England U21 international just isn’t delivering out wide for the Toffees.
When Dibling has managed to get on the pitch for Everton, he looks weak, unable to beat a man on the flanks and severely lacking in pace. The former Chelsea academy star is yet to even provide an assist, let alone score a goal, in his 18 appearances for Everton so far.
However, the Everton No.20 has previously shone in central areas for Southampton, so Moyes and his coaching team might have decided to focus on developing him as a central attacking midfielder during the upcoming pre-season.
In 44 appearances as a right winger throughout his career, Dibling has only netted six goals and provided one assist.
| Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Wing | 44 | 6 | 1 |
| Attacking Midfield | 29 | 13 | 7 |
| Central Midfield | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| Centre-Forward | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Right Midfield | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Second Striker | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Left Wing | 2 | 0 | 2 |
However, in 29 games in the No.10 role just behind the striker, he has recorded 13 goals and seven assists, so it would make sense for Moyes to push him into a central role.
Dibling even went viral while playing as a central attacking midfielder in the youth ranks at Southampton after scoring three goals away at Newcastle which were almost identical, showcasing his excellent ball-striking ability when operating closer to the box.
It is clearly not working for Dibling as a winger under Moyes, so a move to a central role – with either El Mala or Fatawu replacing him on the flanks – would make a lot of sense.
How can Tyler Dibling actually turn things around at Everton? 🤷♂️
It's going to need some turnaround from the youngster 😫
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