David Moyes insight suggests summer signings know what they need to do to get Everton chance
Tony Hibbert identified one of the manager’s strengths as letting players know where they stand
17:15, 06 Nov 2025
David Moyes before the Premier League match between Sunderland and Everton. Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
Former Everton defender Tony Hibbert said David Moyes never left him in doubt over where he was in his plans. Hibbert, who spent 11 years under the Scot between 2002 and 2013, said one of the defining traits of the Blues boss was his honesty.
His words came in a matchday show held before Everton’s home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur but hold resonance after a game at Sunderland that raised questions about where several of the club’s players fit into Moyes’ plans.
His verdict on one of the manager’s key strengths suggests those seeking more opportunities will know what is expected of them.
READ MORE: Everton starlet gets glowing verdict from Blues hero who scouted him – ‘Better than I imagined’READ MORE: Goal-a-game striker ‘tracked by Everton’ could move in January as transfer bids expected
Everton started the Sunderland game well, taking the lead through a sublime Iliman Ndiaye effort. Jack Grealish hit the post and Thierno Barry struck over from just yards out before the hosts found a foothold in the game.
Granit Xhaka’s deflected slot gave the Mackems an equaliser and for most of the second half it was Sunderland that were in the ascendency at the Stadium of Light.
Following the match, focus among much of the fanbase has been on Moyes’ use of his squad, including some of his summer signings.
Dwight McNeil was chosen to replace Ndiaye in the second half – a move that raised eyebrows given he was selected ahead of Carlos Alcaraz, Tyler Dibling and Merlin Rohl. Each of those players agreed deals in the summer that will cost Everton millions of pounds.
Moyes said after the game his decision was made because of how McNeil had performed in training, though he has recently given positive reviews about Dibling and Rohl’s work at Finch Farm. Neither were used on Monday, while McNeil’s minutes were his first with the senior side since August.
Alcaraz has been used more frequently but often as a late substitute. His introduction came after the away end had chanted his name for long periods of the second half. Another summer arrival, Adam Aznou, has also struggled for minutes.
As those players adapt to life on Merseyside, Hibbert’s assessment of what it is like to work under Moyes suggested they will know what is required to play more – the first step in achieving greater prominence.
He told the club’s Dockside Live show: “David Moyes is honest. He will tell you what he wants from you.
“Me, personally, I would rather have that as a player. He will give you all the praise in the world, but will also tell you what he needs from you.
“He is just one of those people, on the pitch and in training. Everything is set out, everyone knows their jobs.
“So, it’s comfortable because a player knows what the needs are for a David Moyes’ team.”
