Mick McCarthy lauds ‘different class’ Everton figure as he issues stunning prediction
Mick McCarthy has hailed Everton’s start to the season, with the Toffees currently sitting fifth in the Premier League.
Everton beat Wolves 3-2 on 30 August to continue their strong start to the campaign, with goals from Beto, Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall earning the three points at Molineux.
The standout came from elsewhere, however, with Jack Grealish breaking an Everton record after providing two assists for the second consecutive match.
David Moyes’ side has looked a transformed team this season, with the winger’s impact, combined with the strong form of Dewsbury-Hall and Ndiaye, making for entertaining viewing.
Grealish was nominated for Premier League player of the month for August, underlining the brilliance he has shown since his move from Manchester City.
Mick McCarthy praises ‘different class’ David Moyes
Moyes had wanted Everton to sign a centre-back on deadline day, but the Scot instead welcomed midfielder Merlin Rohl from SC Freiburg.
The decision not to sign a defender has given the former Manchester United boss a new issue, with the Toffees now seriously lacking in depth at the back.
But Moyes has Everton in superb form regardless, underlining the incredible impact he has made at the club since his return in January.
The Toffees were flirting with the relegation zone when the veteran manager returned, with Sean Dyche’s sacking coinciding with the arrival of new owners at Goodison Park.
Moyes’ leadership was instantaneous, guiding Everton to a 13th-place finish in the Premier League and finishing 10 points away from the drop.
| Everton 2025/26 |
| Leeds United 1-0 Everton |
| Everton 2-0 Brighton |
| Everton 2-0 Mansfield Town |
| Wolves 2-3 Everton |
And this season has only seen the Merseyside club progress further, with Mick McCarthy hailing Moyes’ impact at the newly-opened Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“I have to say, I watched Everton play, they’re in fifth spot at the minute,” the former Wolves manager told The Managers podcast.
“They played against Leeds, and I thought they played well and got done with a penalty at the end. But with their new stadium and the crowd, Moyes is just a different class.
“I think they will have a really good season this year. They’re fifth now and I hope they get there because Moyes is a good mate of mine.”
David Moyes can lead Everton back to former success
For much of Moyes’ first stint at Everton, the Toffees competed for the European spots in the Premier League.
Often playing exciting, attacking football, the Scots’ sides were a tough task for any team to face, especially at Goodison Park.
In his second stint and at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes will hope to create a similar feeling with his new crop of players.
So far, it is definitely working.
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