David Moyes would be ‘bang out of order’ to axe this Everton star as selection dilemma looms
David Moyes could be set for another selection headache in his Everton side in the coming weeks.
Everton are already facing a selection issue in attack, with Thierno Barry and Beto jostling for the starting striker role.
Neither player has impressed this season, however, which has led to some suggestions that Iliman Ndiaye could be played through the middle.
Ndiaye is outperforming his expected goals in the Premier League, and has enjoyed a superb season on the right of the attack.
Tyler Dibling failed to impress against Wolves last week, but could benefit from more consistent game time should the Senegal international be shifted into the centre.
Michael Keane fighting to keep starting Everton role
Michael Keane was hailed for his performance against West Ham, on what was yet another brilliant display from the defender.
The former England international had looked set to leave Everton in the summer, and the Toffees had even lined up a deal to sign Adam Webster as his replacement.
| Michael Keane | Vs West Ham (H) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 44/51 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Clearances | 10 |
| Duels won | 8/13 |
But at the final hour, Keane agreed a new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Moyes has reaped the benefits.
Against West Ham, the 32-year-old excelled in both boxes, scoring the opener with a stunning header and dominating the exchanges at the other end.
But with Jarrad Branthwaite close to returning from injury, the defender’s position in the team could be, once again, at risk.
“Michael Keane has given David Moyes a real headache,” Liverpool Echo journalist Connor O’Neill told the Royal Blue podcast on Wednesday.
“He’s given him a real selection dilemma because you’d be hard pressed to drop Michael Keane right now, and I think actually if he did drop him it’d be bang out of order.”
- Read more: James Tarkowski and Michael Keane give Liverpool duo run for their money with incredible stats
Could David Moyes drop James Tarkowski?
Dropping James Tarkowski would be seen as doing the unthinkable for Moyes. Since arriving at Goodison Park in 2022, the defender has rarely put a foot wrong and has played whenever fit.
Branthwaite’s inclusion, once he returns to full fitness, will likely not be a question. The England international has been considered among the best centre-backs in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons, let alone at Everton.
But the defender who will partner him still remains up for debate. Both Tarkowski and Keane have been brilliant for the Toffees this season, and Moyes will face an incredibly difficult decision.
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