“Look, I’ll be honest”- David Moyes admits ‘outstanding’ Everton star has no place in his future plans after what his staff have told him
Everton can now assess their squad options ahead of the summer transfer window, but there’s one player who won’t be getting any minutes.
The Toffees have been handed a really interesting situation until the end of the season with James Tarkowski sitting out through injury.
Although David Moyes will not have wanted any further injuries, it has provided him with an opportunity to take a look at some of his other options in the squad.
Everton’s Michael Keane was slammed for his display against Manchester City as he replaced Tarkowski during the second half.
The game against Chelsea saw Moyes mix some things up at the back with Jake O’Brien starting at centre-back for Everton.
Nathan Patterson started at right-back with one other player’s chances under Moyes taking a real blow after what the Scot has admitted.
David Moyes shuts down Everton opportunity for Roman Dixon
Everton are looking to add to their defence this summer as they also look to keep ahold of Jarrad Branthwaite.
Moyes is keen to sign a new full-back and has been since he landed on Merseyside in January.
Speaking ahead of the game against Chelsea, Moyes told the media that Roman Dixon is not a name that has been pushed to him by his people overseeing the U21s.
“I’ll be honest, he’s not someone who’s getting put forward to me mainly from the academy or from the youth department. They’ve not been mentioning him to me,” said Moyes.
“I think with us having Coleman, Young and Patterson, we’ve got people who can play in the role. I think we’re pretty well covered there that’ll be the hardest reason why it’s difficult to bring someone in at right-back.”
Everton coaches expect Dixon to have a bright future with the youngster being hailed as ‘outstanding’, but it seems as if he is going to have to wait for his opportunity on Merseyside.
Sean Dyche handed the 20-year-old his first Premier League appearance earlier in the campaign but it does not look like another chance will come this season under Moyes.
Nathan Patterson struggled against Chelsea
With O’Brien being pushed into his more natural spot at centre-back, Patterson was given the nod on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
It was not a game he will want to remember in a hurry, though.
Moyes has suggested he cannot trust Patterson and the 62-year-old was forced into replacing him during the second half.
64 minutes played
4 tackles
1x dribbled past
6x possession lost
1 foul
0/1 accurate crosses
0 dribble attempts
Patterson wanted to leave Everton in the January transfer window, it will be interesting to see where his future lies in the summer.
