Everton star who Sean Dyche loves could play in unfamiliar position vs Nottingham Forest
Everton will be aiming to end 2025 in style when they travel to face Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.
Last time out, Everton were held to a goalless draw by Burnley as their struggles in front of goal continued in the absence of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye.
The Toffees have failed to score in their previous three matches, although Grealish could return against Nottingham Forest, and that would be a huge boost to David Moyes.
The Manchester City loanee is likely to return to his favoured left wing position, and as a result see Dwight McNeil either drop out of the starting lineup or occupy a different role.
David Moyes should use Dwight McNeil as a number 10 vs Nottingham Forest
McNeil was criticised for his performance against Burnley as the 26-year-old failed to impact the game from the left flank.
Everton fans know that the Englishman isn’t blessed with pace, and his skillset is arguably better suited to a central role, which is why Moyes could play him as a number 10 against Forest and drop Charly Alcaraz.
In the past year, McNeil has averaged 3.1 progressive passes per 90 and 2.19 passes into the final third, statistics that highlight his creativity.
Indeed, the former Burnley man could look more dangerous from a central position, and he also has a history of delivering in this fixture.
| Dwight McNeil’s record vs Nottingham Forest |
| 6 appearances |
| 2 goals |
| 1 assist |
McNeil has three goal involvements against the Tricky Trees and has remarkably never lost in six outings, giving even more reason for Moyes to utilise him on Tuesday night.
What Sean Dyche has said about McNeil
Everton sacked Sean Dyche almost a year ago, and he’s now looking to get one over his former club to boost his side’s survival chances.
Dyche will be wary of McNeil’s quality heading into the contest, having managed him during spells at Burnley and Everton.
Speaking about the attacker in March 2022, the manager said: “I thought Dwight was terrific. I’ve got to be honest, apart from not scoring a goal, the bravery to come and get the ball, getting questioned for probably the first time – it’s part of his development.
“Our fans are very fair but they’re questioning him at the minute. But he’s a fine young player and part of his development will be playing under those circumstances.
“But he never shied away from the ball. He kept coming to get it even though he knew the crowd were just giving him a little bit.”
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