Everton’s £90k-p/w “revelation” could become Moyes’ new version of Arteta

David Moyes Is Rebuilding Everton’s Identity — Again

Everton appear to be entering another period of renewal under David Moyes — and it’s one that feels very familiar.

Having previously shaped the Toffees into a model of consistency and resilience over a decade of dedicated service, the 63-year-old has returned to Merseyside in 2025 to begin a new chapter.

The summer transfer window brought fresh energy and talent to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, laying the groundwork for a squad built in Moyes’ image once more.

With Idrissa Gueye expected to depart when his contract expires next year, and Tim Iroegbunam still finding his feet in the senior setup, Moyes could look to reinforce his midfield in 2026.

Yet, the Scot already has one of the Premier League’s most dynamic central players — a profile that has long been key to his managerial success.

Moyes’ Midfield Blueprint

Throughout his career, Moyes has built teams around work ethic, discipline, and tactical structure.

Energy and determination have always been non-negotiables, but his best Everton sides also carried a creative edge from midfield — a balance between industry and invention.

Tim Cahill was the embodiment of that balance. Neither a traditional striker nor a pure midfielder, the Australian’s mix of aggression and aerial prowess made him a constant goal threat.

Leon Osman, meanwhile, was the quiet cornerstone of Moyes’ Everton — a dependable, intelligent player who spent his entire career at Goodison Park apart from two early loan spells.

And then there was Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard’s intelligence and flair added something unique to Moyes’ side, combining creativity with tireless work rate.

Arteta himself once said he would “go through a brick wall” for Moyes — a testament to the connection between the two.

Today, some of Moyes’ influence can still be seen in Arteta’s managerial style at Arsenal — meticulous, structured, yet expressive — a fusion of Moyes’ discipline and Pep Guardiola’s fluidity.

Now, two decades on, Moyes seems to have found a modern version of his former lieutenant.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Moyes’ New Arteta

Much like Arteta in his Everton prime, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has emerged as a versatile, technically gifted midfielder at the heart of Moyes’ new-look team.

Since joining from Chelsea for £28 million last summer, the 27-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure in the side. Though he was on the fringes under Enzo Maresca — featuring just 13 times in the Premier League last season — the move to Everton has given him the platform to shine.

Dewsbury-Hall’s performances have justified the investment. According to Sofascore, he averages 1.9 key passes and wins 5.3 duels per match this season, while FBref data shows he ranks in the top 8% of Premier League midfielders for both progressive passes and passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes.

Aside from a one-game suspension against Crystal Palace, he has started every league match so far — earning £90,000 per week and delivering the kind of consistency Moyes demands.

His blend of creativity, control, and commitment has drawn comparisons to Arteta’s influence during his playing days.

While players like Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye often grab the headlines, Dewsbury-Hall is quietly becoming the engine that drives this Everton side forward. Under Moyes, he represents a revival of a tried-and-tested formula — and the early signs suggest it’s already paying off.