Why Everton's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Has Raised His Game Recently
Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has recently taken his game to new heights, especially noticeable during matches when Jack Grealish is absent. This shift might be hard for some fans and even manager David Moyes to accept.
After a mixed start to the season following a vital role last term, Dewsbury-Hall struggled to find consistency. Yet, over the past few games, his form has noticeably improved. Against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, he operated deeper in midfield and dominated the center of the pitch for Everton. Dewsbury-Hall assisted Everton’s third goal with a precise pass to Thierno Barry, who finished confidently.
When these two teams met again in the Premier League, Dewsbury-Hall delivered a man-of-the-match performance as Everton secured a 1-0 win. His recent surge in form overlaps with Grealish's absence due to disciplinary reasons.
The Impact of Jack Grealish's Absence
Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish often connect well on the left side of the field, making Everton dangerous down that flank. However, this pairing sometimes makes Everton predictable, as Dewsbury-Hall tends to favor the left side heavily when Grealish is present. This focus often neglects the right wing, reducing the team's attacking variety.
With Grealish sidelined, Dewsbury-Hall appears more involved across the entire pitch, contributing to a more balanced Everton attack. For instance, in the Premier League clash against Newcastle, he played a crucial role in Everton’s opening goal by threading a perfect throughball to Tyrique George, which led to Barry scoring off the rebound.
An Uncomfortable Reality for Everton
The uncomfortable truth might be that Everton functions better without Grealish on the pitch, with Dewsbury-Hall flourishing in such circumstances. This poses a dilemma given the club’s significant investment in Grealish, one of the highest-paid English players, who has so far disappointed.
Manager David Moyes, a known admirer of Grealish, has prioritized him heavily, but recent results suggest the team performs more cohesively without him. Fans who cherish Grealish’s talent face a tough reality: his standout performances have become rare, and others like Dewsbury-Hall have stepped up impressively in his stead.
