Theo Walcott said Tyler Dibling actually reminds him of a five-time Champions League winner

Everton Fans Unsure Over Dibling Price Tag – But Walcott Insists It’s a Bargain

Some Everton fans may raise eyebrows at the reported £42 million fee for 19-year-old Tyler Dibling, but former Toffee Theo Walcott has no doubts – this is a move worth every penny.

With David Moyes finally securing the Southampton starlet, Dibling is set to become Everton’s second most expensive signing in history – a bold statement from new owners The Friedkin Group.

Despite his limited first-team experience, Dibling is already being tipped for stardom, with some even likening his potential to that of Paul Gascoigne. And if Walcott’s words are anything to go by, Everton may have landed a future superstar.

Walcott Compares Dibling to Gareth Bale

Walcott, who spent four years at Goodison Park and rose to fame through Southampton’s academy, is well-placed to evaluate Dibling’s talent. Speaking to talkSPORT in September 2024, he made a striking comparison:

“He is an athlete. You can see the size of him already as well. It’s very much like the Gareth Bale sort of physique, and the way he’s got a bit of swag about him on the field – like a Jack Grealish type.”

To be compared to a five-time Champions League winner like Bale is no small praise, and it reflects the high ceiling Dibling is believed to have. If he lives up to expectations, his rumoured £100 million future valuation may not be far-fetched.

Dibling Unfazed by the Hype

What makes Dibling even more exciting for Everton fans is his calm and grounded mindset. Speaking to the Daily Echo earlier this year, he brushed off the pressure of being compared to elite names:

“I don’t really feel the pressure when I hear about that. Obviously, those players, like Bale, are so good. If I’m going to get put in that group of players that came up [at Saints], it’s just good to be around those names. It’s cool.”

With a strong mentality, physical readiness, and clear technical ability, Dibling looks ready to take on the Premier League spotlight. For Everton, this could prove to be a masterstroke.