Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Mon 2 March 2026 19:40, UK

Everton need to strike a balance between having experience and youth within their first-team squad.

David Moyes has been arguably overachieving with the players that he has at his disposal this campaign, as the Toffees sit in eighth position after their 3-2 win over Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Blues boss has been consistent with the players he picks for his matchday squads and has shown a lack of faith in youngsters.

While it’s been a productive decision for Moyes to make so far, the readings show that Everton will soon need to start incorporating the new generation in Premier League matches.

• Read more: David Moyes looks set for Everton future talks, brutal reality of Premier League could force TFG’s hand

Everton at top of Premier League charts for ‘post-peak’ players

The Friedkin Group brought in the likes of Adam Aznou and Tyler Dibling, among others, this summer, who have yet to make an impact at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The big money transfers were sanctioned by the Everton hierarchy to add a nice blend of youth and promise to an already experienced squad.

But while the Toffees may also have players who are entering their peak years, namely James Garner and Iliman Ndiaye, the age of some may concern.

• Everton have seven players in their thirties
• Dibling and Aznou have four Premier League starts between them
• Even Tyrique George has made just one start for the Blues so far

As highlighted by Opta Analyst on X, the majority of minutes handed to Everton players in the Premier League are those who are in their peak years between 24 and 29-years-old, at 45 per cent.

However, an alarming stat also shows that 37 per cent of the Toffees’ minutes split is those who are past their peak performance, with just 18 per cent handed to those below the age of 24, which is classed as pre-peak.

The 37 per cent is the third highest for a Premier League team that gives game time to post-peak players.

With that said, it would be no surprise to see the Friedkin Group start to filter out older individuals in the summer transfer window.

• Read more: Adam Aznou not only Everton left-back set for change as Vitalii Mykolenko plan becomes clear

Which of the seven 30-year-olds could be sold for Everton?

Everton have been reliant on experience for results this season, but there will come a point where Moyes will have to look to replace them.

James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford are both in their thirties, and you wouldn’t think it considering their performances.

While the pair could continue playing for the Blues for another season at the very least, others could be moved on.

Rumours of Jack Grealish to the Toffees on a permanent deal will most likely stick through the summer, but the Friedkin Group could look to find fresh wide talent as they did with Ndiaye.

Not only him, but Everton will need to look at replacing Idrissa Gana Gueye if they want to move forward, as the long-serving Seamus Coleman could also depart.

For more matchday stories on the Toffees, visit Football Insider and have a look at their coverage.