Sean Dyche’s house was derelict and tired at the end of his Everton tenure, but in David Moyes, it’s been renovated, refurnished.
The point of that metaphor is Moyes isn’t starkly different to his predecessor. Indeed, his philosophy is built on defensive – some may say pragmatic – foundations, but it’s deeper and richer.
At West Ham United, the Scotsman enjoyed three successive European campaigns, the middle of which saw him lift the Conference League trophy.
And having built a seven-match league unbeaten run since taking the head seat at Goodison Park in January, Moyes has rekindled the feel-good factor and belief that the Toffees have turned a page and taken the first steps toward recently unimaginable heights.
Everton’s ongoing purple patch has ended fears of relegation, but Moyes will need fresh troops ahead of next season’s debut at Bramley Moore. With that in mind, there just might be something in rumours of a return to Merseyside for none other than Richarlison.
Everton's interest in Richarlison
Injuries and struggles for form have laid waste to Richarlison’s big-career move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2022. After years of menacing forward success on Merseyside, the Brazilian jumped ship in a deal worth £60m, but it hasn’t worked out.
Former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said shortly after Richy’s move to the capital that he’s “among the best forwards” football has to offer.
But that hasn’t been backed up under Ange Postecoglou. With Richarlison firmly on the fringe of a struggling Spurs squad, rumours have surfaced of late concerning a potential return to Everton.
GIVEMESPORT report Moyes is keen on bringing the 27-year-old back to the club, though Tottenham value him at £40m and this would take a sizeable chunk from the coffers.
24/25
Tottenham
9 (2)
2
1
23/24
Tottenham
28 (18)
11
4
22/23
Tottenham
27 (12)
1
4
21/22
Everton
30 (28)
10
5
20/21
Everton
34 (33)
7
3
19/20
Everton
36 (36)
13
3
18/19
Everton
35 (32)
13
1
17/18
Watford
38 (32)
5
4
Injuries have ravaged the consistency that characterised his Merseyside career. While nostalgic longing makes his return feel like an attractive thing, it may not prove the most prudent long-term planning.
Especially when other, sold-for-less former stars are significantly outperforming him.
Former Everton star is now better than Richarlison
Richarlison is remembered fondly on the blue half of Merseyside but new stars such as Iliman Ndiaye and Beto highlight the success that could be found in investing in fresh talent.
While Beto is the talk of the town at Everton right now, having led Moyes’ early charge on the Premier League with a five-goal return from six matches, there’s actually a former Blues man who’s outscoring him in the top flight this season.
When Everton sold Alex Iwobi to Fulham in a deal rising to £22m in 2023, it was poignant but necessary with financial issues spreading like creeper up the Goodison Park walls.
He made 140 appearances for Everton, scoring nine goals and supplying 15 assists. This is a modest return to be sure, but Iwobi grew in confidence after feeling the weight of an inflated price tag upon arrival.
The Merseysiders welcomed Iwobi, now 27, from Arsenal in 2019, paying a brow-raising £35m fee for the up-and-coming talent, whose game time at the Emirates was limited. Pundit Rio Ferdinand had dubbed him a “menace” of a winger, something that rings true to this day.
Iwobi might not have enjoyed much shooting success in Liverpool, but he did bow out confidently. Across the 2022/23 season, he hit eight assists from 41 matches, repurposed as a robust central midfielder.
But now, at Fulham, he’s proved that he can score goals at a productive rate.
With seven goals (and three assists) from 27 Premier League appearances this season – principally fielded on either attacking flank – Iwobi is indeed outscoring Beto this season.
He’s not just a marksman though. As per FBref, the Nigeria international ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this season for passes attempted, the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 20% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.
A man of many parts. Iwobi’s multi-dimensional approach to his football could really be perfect for Moyes’ Everton project. He was even described as an “exceptional” player during his time at Everton by Statman Dave.
Conversely, Richarlison’s woes on the fitness front have reduced him to a lesser state than what was on show during his time at Everton. He might be more of an out-and-out scorer than his former teammate, but that doesn’t detract from the polarity in performances and success over the past few years.
Though Iwobi isn’t for sale, his goalscoring return at Craven Cottage does emphasise the fact Everton might be best steering away from re-signing their former talisman.
Moyes is back after more than a decade away, and with him a sense of excitement that could bloom into something special.
Iwobi has been deployed in myriad tactical roles during his time in the Premier League, and while Everton banked a pretty sum in selling him to Fulham, Farhad Moshiri didn’t exactly redirect the funds effectively.
They might just regret letting him go in the first place. Sure, it helped balance the books but Iwobi is proving himself to be a valuable asset – one who could have thrived under Moyes’ wily wing.
He’d be a major player in Moyes’ current squad, capable across a range of duties.
He might be a playmaker, energetic and versatile, but he’s got an eye for goal too – outscoring both Richarlison and Beto in the Premier League this season merely illustrates that point.
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