Everton secured their place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup last night with a hard-fought victory over Championship side Wolves at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes’ men claimed a victory after Charly Alcaraz fired home ten minutes from time, setting up a clash with Newcastle United on Merseyside in late October.
The Toffees were largely in control of last night’s encounter on home soil, subsequently over three times more shots on target than Cesar Peixoto’s outfit.
Numerous attacking players managed to catch the eye during the triumph, which could hand the manager a selection headache ahead of the return to Premier League action.
Why Everton’s attacking players caught the eye against Wolves
After returning to Everton for the second time, winger Jack Grealish was handed his first start since returning to the club on loan from Manchester City.
The 31-year-old was one of the Toffees’ most lively options within attacking talents last night, subsequently creating two chances and completing 86% of the passes he attempted.
His threat within forward areas of the pitch was further highlighted by his tally of seven passes into the final third, whilst also drawing four fouls – the most of any player in the game.
Despite only featuring for 13 minutes off the bench, Argentine midfielder Alcaraz did manage to catch the eye alongside his late winner on Merseyside.
The 23-year-old managed to complete 100% of the 13 passes he attempted, whilst also managing to register a 100% dribble success during last night’s triumph.
Like Grealish, he also posed a huge threat to the Championship backline, who had to foul him twice in the closing stages to prevent him from inflicting further damage in attacking areas.
After such a showing, Moyes may be forced to unleash the youngster in the Premier League and hand him his first consistent run of games after his permanent move.
Everton may have found the new Ndiaye vs Wolves
After losing winger Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City during the closing stages of the summer window, many Everton fans would be forgiven for thinking the club would struggle in attacking areas.
The Senegalese international registered the third-highest tally of combined goals and assists last term, with only Beto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall able to have a bigger impact in forward areas.
However, it was his direct dribbling and pace in attacking areas which would be hardest to replace, with the 26-year-old a player who constantly got fans off their seats.
Despite the concerns of the fanbase, it looks as though Moyes has unearthed his next version of the talented winger with current first-team member Tyler Dibling.
It’s safe to say things have not worked out as planned after his £35m move from Southampton in the summer of 2025, but the current campaign could be the season where he explodes into life.
The 20-year-old was handed his second start of the 2026/27 campaign last night and managed to impress and show glimpses of why the club spent so heavily to secure his signature.
His stats from the clash against Wolves showcase his quality within attacking areas and demonstrate why he could emulate the success of Ndiaye on Merseyside.
Dibling featured for the entirety of the contest at the Hill Dickinson, and subsequently completed three dribbles – with such a tally the highest of any player on either side.
|
Tyler Dibling – stats against Wolves |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Touches |
75 |
|
Pass accuracy |
0% |
|
Chances created |
2 |
|
Dribbles completed |
3 |
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Fouls won |
3 |
|
Duels won |
64% |
Such a tally showcases his incredible ability to create danger within attacking areas – something which Ndiaye made a name for himself for on Merseyside.
The youngster also managed to complete 90% of the passes he attempted on Wednesday evening, which resulted in the Englishman creating two chances.
One of the chances he created led to Alcaraz netting the winning goal, which further highlights the impact the youngster had within forward areas of the pitch.
He also drew three fouls from the opposition and emulated Grealish in often being dragged down by the opposition to prevent him from being in full flow with the ball at his feet.
After such a showing, Moyes must be left with no choice but to hand the winger an extended starting role in the starting eleven – especially if he is to justify his hefty transfer fee.
There’s no reason that, should he continue on his current trajectory and emulate such a display, Dibling could well be the Toffees’ perfect replacement for the recently departed Ndiaye.