The ECHO’s Everton writers look at which players from outside the current starting line-up could have a significant role in the run-in
Although Everton lost Jarrad Branthwaite to injury late on in Sunday’s Merseyside Derby with fears that the defender will now be out for the remainder of the season after being stretchered off at Hill Dickinson Stadium, David Moyes’ selections have been pretty settled in recent weeks.
However, with five matches now left to play and the Blues chasing qualification for European football, who from outside the current starting line-up could play a significant role in the run-in? The ECHO’s Everton writers have their say…
Chris Beesley
With Liverpool’s Curtis Jones the only Scouser on the pitch for the first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, it was a shame that West Derby prospect Harrison Armstrong wasn’t involved. The 19-year-old hasn’t been named in the matchday squad for Everton’s last two games after also missing out when they drew 2-2 at Brentford in their previous fixture.
Competition for places in midfield has increased with Charly Alcaraz fit again and named among the substitutes against the Reds, but in truth, the Blues’ home-grown hero has probably shown more promise this term than the Argentinian or a clutch of other high-profile acquisitions. After signing off with a brace of assists – including setting up Alcaraz for the opener – in the 2-0 win over Mansfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup, Harrison was sent out on loan to Preston North End and was supposed to spend the rest of this season in the Championship.
READ MORE: David Moyes snapped back at foul-mouthed taunt – ‘Do you know what I’d have done to beat Liverpool’
However, having been recalled on New Year’s Day as soon as the winter transfer window opened, with Everton in the midst of a selection crisis, Armstrong showed that despite his tender years, he did not look out of place at Premier League level. He’d subsequently appear in all of the Blues’ next nine matches, but he’s had just 13 minutes of action across the last six games, four minutes in the last four, and none in the last three.
If he can force his way back in, the teenager could potentially provide the X-factor for Moyes’ men as they look to secure a return to European competition for the first time since Armstrong was in primary school!
Joe Thomas
I still want to believe Tyler Dibling can have a big moment this season. In order to get that, he needs a chance, and it is clear David Moyes has viewed Tyrique George as being ahead of him in recent games. But the next five matches are so important and are likely to be so tight that I think there is a great opportunity for someone otherwise on the periphery to have their breakthrough moment.
That could be George, it could be that Thierno Barry has another standout moment that helps to bring him back into the fold after a few difficult weeks for the France youth international, but it could also be Dibling. There is little doubt to me that he has the talent and, while I expect Moyes to look to keep games tight in the run in, there will be moments when he needs to seize the initiative or go for broke.
That might require a change in approach – could Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall be pulled deeper and Iliman Ndiaye used in the 10 when Everton are chasing a result, and would that provide a chance for Dibling to come off the right?
He has had a tough season but I am not prepared to write it off just yet. Dibling is capable of inspiring Everton’s fight for Europe and I hope he at least gets a chance to do so.
