Gareth Bale comments expose David Moyes hypocrisy with Tyler Dibling at Everton
David Moyes has been unwilling to give Tyler Dibling a proper chance at Everton this season.
Dibling was signed for approximately £40million in the summer, but he has made just 18 Everton appearances this season.
The former Southampton man has played just 520 minutes for Moyes‘ side in all competitions, which is not much at all, for a player who cost that much and has the potential that he does..
Gareth Bale’s latest comments may leave the Scottish manager with egg on his face with how he has been treating the 20-year-old at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
What did Bale say that exposes Moyes?
Bale admitted that young players do not get better without actual playing time in the first-team, so he indirectly exposed Moyes’ hypocrisy.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast on 5 March, the former Real Madrid star said: “You can’t change playing games.
“You can train all you want, you can do extra practice… unless you play games, you’re not going to get better.
“Your touch might be a little bit better, but under pressure, you don’t get better unless you play games.”
Perhaps, Moyes should take note, as Dibling, Adam Aznou and Merlin Rohl could all benefit if he does listen to Bale’s advice, which suggests that they need minutes often to be ready to step up.
Why Moyes is in a bind with young players
Moyes’s reluctance to play youth players is understandable to an extent, as the Blues are chasing down a European qualification spot.
However, he cannot then complain that they are not at the required level to get into his team, of course they are not, because they have not experienced much senior football and been able to form partnerships with their teammates.
Moyes expects them to show high levels in training, and push the regular first-teamers, but that is not going to happen if they are not getting any game time, as the starters will be sharper and match fit.
It looks as though the trio of Dibling, Aznou and Rohl will have to wait until next season at the very earliest to get more game time, and that is if Moyes decides that they deserve it.
Bale is right, academy graduates need game time; otherwise, how are they supposed to impose themselves in the senior side, it would be a huge task.
There are not many things that the Scotsman can be criticised for in this campaign, but his stance on young players is one thing.
For more on Everton, check out Football Insider for the latest news and analysis.