As it turns out, a right-back was well worth the wait for Everton. They tried and failed all summer right up until deadline day when they welcomed Ainsley Maitland-Niles and to say that he introduced himself in style would be an understatement.
The former Arsenal man sent a timely reminder of his quality to the rest of the Premier League when he curled home a sensational last-gasp equaliser against Manchester United on Sunday.
At long last, Everton have their right-back and one capable of producing heroic moments, at that. Even David Moyes was impressed, telling reporters at full-time: “If nobody knew you that goal would get you plenty of headlines. It was a brilliant goal, brilliant technique. We have not had a chance to get to know Ainsley but it was a great start from him.”
Not everyone had reason to celebrate on Sunday, however. Once again, it was a difficult day for Tyler Dibling. For the third straight game, the winger watched on from the bench and failed to get a single minute in the Premier League.
It’s not a good sign for the youngster, who started just four league games last season after completing a move worth £42m – the second most-expensive deal in Everton’s history – last summer.
With Tyrique George and Jack Grealish ahead of Dibling in the pecking order, an ex-Premier League star has urged the winger to swap Merseyside for a move away in January.
Gabby Agbonlahor urges Dibling to “stop wasting away”
It wasn’t so long ago that Dibling was considered one of the most promising young players in English football. Since joining Everton, however, that status has slowly worn away. Now, at 20 years old, he desperately needs game time to develop.
Former Aston Villa striker and current talkSPORT host Gabby Agbonlahor had his say this past weekend, urging Dibling to leave Everton this winter.
“Still no Tyler Dibling getting any minutes. He’s wasting away, isn’t he? He needs to find a loan or something in January. Would you say a Championship loan in January, if Everton allow him and bring a replacement? Just go and play!”
After arriving for such a hefty fee last summer, many were expecting so much more from Dibling. Alas, it simply has not worked out for all parties so far.
Moyes didn’t hold back when asked about the 20-year-old last season either, telling reporters: “He’ll have to do better, I think. He’ll have to do better in his work and in his training.
“We brought in Tyrique George on loan from Chelsea, who is of a similar age and as competition as well to make sure we were covered. I think Tyrique has done well in the moments he’s had in games and shown some bits that we like, so we want Tyler to step up, we really do.”
Of course, George is now at Everton on a permanent basis and that has only been bad news for Dibling this season. If his game time does not improve, then he must look towards the exit door.