Everton star can revive career under David Moyes after ‘wonderful’ developments vs Nottingham Forest
Everton’s clash with Nottingham Forest may well decide their winter transfer window plans.
David Moyes’s Everton squad has been reduced to the bare bones, with four academy players named on the bench at the City Ground.
Jack Grealish was only fit enough for the Everton bench, with two goalkeepers also amongst the substitutes.
However, the Blues went into the half-time break with the lead, thanks to some superb play from two of their stars.
Dwight McNeil may have saved his Everton career
Dwight McNeil has been linked with an Everton departure in the January transfer window.
McNeil has struggled to work his way into the team, and did not impress when handed a chance against Burnley last time out.
Moyes was insistent that Everton would not sell McNeil, amid concerns over the squad depth at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Whether that stance would have remained if an offer came in is uncertain, but McNeil may have made the decision for the Blues.
The 26-year-old notched the assist for James Garner’s opening goal, and left the Liverpool Echo’s Joe Thomas impressed.
Taking to X on 30 December, he said: “This all started from Thierno Barry, who again has Milenkovic on pins. Held the ball up, spread to Dibling then him, Iroegbunam and McNeil combined to send Garner through on goal.
“Wonderful vision from McNeil.”
Why selling McNeil would only complicate Everton’s January plans
The Toffees already have significant business to do in the January window, with several positions needing to be strengthened.
The striker position is one of them, as Thierno Barry and Beto have scored one goal each in the Premier League so far this season.
Full-back is another, as Jake O’Brien and Vitalii Mykolenko both lack the kind of attacking threat that the Blues need from the defensive flanks.
Moyes may even decide that he needs another midfielder, as that position has been a concern when injuries take their toll.
Needing to add another winger, if McNeil was allowed to leave, may be a step too far, so his showing against Forest so far may have sealed his stay on Merseyside.
McNeil may not be the best player, but he adds depth, and has notched 15 goals and 18 assists in 115 matches for the Toffees.
If he continues to step up, he may get the chance to improve on that.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @goodisonnews