​David Moyes’ squad management during last season drew plenty of criticism, and for valid reasons. He appeared to rely on a narrower pool of players, leaving too many squad members underutilized. The result was fatigue and the cumulative wear-and-tear of a demanding Premier League campaign, which ultimately exposed key performers like Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the poor finish to the season.
There are two ways to view the situation: either Moyes bore the full responsibility, or some (or many) of the players recruited last summer simply weren’t ready to contribute at a high level. The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but ultimately it remains the manager’s job to prepare and rotate his squad effectively throughout a season.
Looking ahead, there is a clear need for substantial pre-season work with young talents such as Tyler Dibling, Merlin Röhl, and Harrison Armstrong. Adam Aznou, meanwhile, should be sent out on loan to secure regular minutes. Yet Everton’s two new signings suggest that despite frustrations with Moyes’ squad management, there are still promising young players willing to thrive under the Scot.
Tyrique George’s loan period in the latter half of the season produced over 200 minutes on the pitch, and his performances were impressive enough for Everton to recruit him this week. He did not register a goal or an assist, but he did create clear-cut chances and carried a notable degree of attacking optimism. Everton has managed to negotiate a reduced initial fee for the 20-year-old, who, according to The Athletic, did not demand guarantees over his playing time. Nevertheless, it is essential for the club to make it unmistakably clear to Moyes that George requires minutes to continue his development. Fortunately, George offers a different dynamic to the wing options already in Everton’s squad, which should translate into more opportunities.
George has experienced the waiting game that can come with Moyes, unlike Hayden Hackney. The latter, however, was determined to join Everton, a factor that aided the club during protracted negotiations with Middlesbrough. The appeal of the club’s size and stature undoubtedly played a role for Hackney, but there was likely a component of working under Moyes that the 24-year-old valued. With nearly 200 senior appearances, Hackney brings experience of English football that Moyes values, and the midfielder appears to have respected the 63-year-old manager’s track record of developing players from the Championship. Notable success stories cited include Tim Cahill, Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka, and, more recently, Jarrod Bowen.
Whatever their individual motivations, both George and Hackney were eager to join Everton, commit long-term, and, at least in the short term, to work under Moyes. Evertonians understandably have every right to be concerned about the club’s direction, but the recruitment of young talent who are prepared to buy into Moyes’ system offers genuine hope for the future.