Jack Grealish may have grabbed the early headlines since joining Everton, but David Moyes believes another of his summer recruits deserves just as much credit.
The Toffees boss has singled out Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, insisting the 27-year-old has been “as good as anybody” in his new-look Everton side.
Moyes, speaking via the Liverpool Echo, explained that while Grealish’s flair has lit up the Hill Dickinson Stadium, it’s Dewsbury-Hall’s intelligence, energy, and end product that have quietly driven Everton’s encouraging start. The former Leicester and Chelsea man has adapted seamlessly to Moyes’ demands — and that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Moyes praises Dewsbury-Hall’s early influence
“Jack has been getting loads of press but I think Kiernan has probably been as good as anybody in what he’s done for the team. When I was signing him, we talked about his role and how he played — he said he could get 10 goals a year. I said: ‘That’ll do me right away because we’re trying to add more goals.’” — David Moyes, via Liverpool Echo
Everton’s attacking struggles have been well-documented over the past two seasons, and Moyes admitted that improving their goal return was a key focus over the summer. Dewsbury-Hall’s willingness to push forward from midfield and take responsibility in the final third has made an immediate difference.
The Toffees manager also highlighted the midfielder’s maturity, praising how he handled the pressure of being handed the No.10 role — a position many expected Grealish to occupy. Despite limited experience in that advanced role, Dewsbury-Hall has shown composure, balance, and selflessness in linking the attack.
Why Dewsbury-Hall is Everton’s perfect summer signing
The 27-year-old may not have arrived with the fanfare of Grealish, but his performances have quickly made him a key part of Moyes’ system. Combining Premier League experience with hunger to prove himself, he’s embodied the type of player Everton’s recruitment team have targeted: technically sound, tactically aware, and team-first.
| Stat (2025/26) | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% |
source: Sofascore match data – 23 October 2025
Moyes’ trust in him is clear. Dewsbury-Hall missed only the trip to Crystal Palace through injury, with the Everton boss admitting the team were “fortunate to get a result without him.” His combination of humility and determination has made him an instant fan favourite.
Our View
In our view, Dewsbury-Hall represents exactly what Moyes wants his Everton side to stand for — hard work, tactical discipline, and quiet excellence. While Grealish brings the spark, the former Leicester man provides the engine and balance that make everything tick.
His willingness to contribute defensively while still carrying a goal threat mirrors the values Moyes built his early Everton teams on. In a squad filled with high-profile signings, Dewsbury-Hall’s understated consistency could be the difference in Everton’s push for Europe.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe writes:
I think Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is the perfect Moyes midfielder — industrious but intelligent, and capable of linking defence and attack seamlessly. Everton’s midfield now has a rhythm it’s lacked for years.
We believe Dewsbury-Hall’s best work is still to come. If he continues producing in the No.10 role, Moyes might have found the creative heartbeat Everton have been missing since Ross Barkley’s prime. His early performances suggest he could be the club’s most impactful signing of the summer.
Key Insights
- David Moyes says Dewsbury-Hall has been “as good as anybody” this season.
- The midfielder has been key to Everton’s attacking improvement.
- Moyes revealed the player targeted 10 goals per season when signing.
- Dewsbury-Hall has adapted impressively to the No.10 role.
- Everton sit just a few points off the Champions League places.
What’s Next
Everton continue their Premier League campaign this weekend against Tottenham at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Dewsbury-Hall expected to return to the starting XI. Moyes will be hoping his midfield maestro continues his fine form alongside Grealish.
If he maintains this level, Dewsbury-Hall could yet become the understated star of Everton’s European charge — the kind of player who defines a season without demanding the spotlight.
👉 Has Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall been Everton’s most important signing under David Moyes?
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