Headline: Everton’s Momentum Grows with Key Victories and Player Developments
Everton is experiencing a positive turn under manager David Moyes, highlighted by a recent 1-0 victory at St James’ Park, thanks to Thierno Barry’s eighth goal this season. This win propelled the Toffees to seventh place in the league, following a 3-1 comeback against Coventry City on Friday night, where Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall secured the decisive goal. With the top four now in sight, the team is building strong momentum.
Much of this stability can be attributed to significant changes in the wide areas, following a near-total summer rebuild. Iliman Ndiaye’s departure to Manchester City for £60 million, Dwight McNeil’s move to Crystal Palace, and new signings including a swap deal for Brennan Johnson and an initial £18 million investment in Chelsea’s Tyrique George, have reshaped the squad.
George, a 20-year-old winger, has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of this transformation. He brings directness, speed, and strong one-on-one capabilities to the field, quickly adapting to senior football despite some raw decision-making. Johnson primarily plays on the right or as a versatile second striker, and he can shift across the front line when Moyes requires depth for counter-attacks. Meanwhile, Dewsbury-Hall, a central midfielder, tends to drift into the left half-space, contributing to overloads on that side. Merlin Röhl complements the team with his high-intensity running and ability to carry the ball from deep.
On a different note, Jack Grealish, who joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City, currently stands outside the team dynamics. His absence from training — treated as a breach of club discipline — has excluded him from the squad, and his lack of match fitness has also contributed to this decision. An exclusive report from Football Insider suggests the club is pondering a termination of his loan, as former advisor Borson claims City is reluctant to reintegrate him due to off-field issues. Although Moyes has not ruled out a potential return for Grealish, his current status remains precarious.
In terms of compatibility with Moyes’ team tactics, some former players note that while Grealish showcases impressive touch, he tends to slow down gameplay. His style, which focuses on possession and drawing fouls, conflicts with Moyes’ preference for rapid counter-attacking in a structured 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 formation, requiring wingers to track back and support defensive efforts. At 31 years of age, Grealish has struggled to meet this physical demand.
Looking ahead, it may be time for Everton to move on from Grealish. With Barry’s scoring, Dewsbury-Hall’s work rate, and George’s speed creating a balanced approach, his expensive wages are becoming an unnecessary burden. Keeping a player who disrupts team harmony could threaten the cohesion that has developed. The club should consider negotiating to end the loan or use him as a low-priority substitute, focusing instead on maximizing George’s growth as part of the team’s future plans.
