Everton star who has ‘something special’ must take advantage of imminent player exit
David Moyes will need to use the full depth of his squad over the Christmas period, and even more so with the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off.
Everton’s home clash against Chelsea on Saturday is the final game Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are available for, ahead of representing Senegal at AFCON.
Gueye, who returns from his three-match ban this weekend, is an important figure in the engine room, while Ndiaye has arguably been Everton’s best player in 2025/26.
The exciting winger has recorded six goal involvements in 15 Premier League appearances, while also impressing with his incredible pressing and driving runs.
Ndiaye could miss up to seven games if Senegal reach the final of the competition, and that is why one of his teammates must step up.
Tyler Dibling must shine in Iliman Ndiaye’s absence
Everton signed Tyler Dibling from Southampton for big money in the summer, and the 19-year-old has found it difficult to accumulate game time.
Dibling has only played 76 minutes in the top-flight, with Ndiaye proving to be an immovable object in his favoured right wing position.
But ahead of the 25-year-old jetting off to AFCON, the teenager must use this period as an opportunity to impress, as it’s arguably the best chance he will have all season.
When Dibling truly announced himself in Southampton colours last term, he impressed with his fearlessness in possession, utilising his lightning pace and direct dribbling to stun Premier League defences.
Ndiaye’s incredible form has made it difficult for the youngster to show similar traits at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but now a door is opening, and he must walk through it.
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Danny Murphy’s praise for Dibling in 2024
Everton fans shouldn’t expect miracles from a player who only scored four goals in all competitions last term, though the world is Dibling’s oyster.
When speaking about the winger in December 2024, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said the teenager was going to become ‘something special’.
“It is the quality he has got – the belief in himself and the physical power. He just goes past people with ease. He has got a lovely left foot. He is very brave on the ball and his decision-making is good,” Murphy said on Match of the Day.
“It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special.
“It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game.
“He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team.”
Moyes will want to see Dibling’s bravery and decision-making in full flow once Ndiaye goes to AFCON.