Moyes’ Dream Everton XI: New Dembele Signed, DCL Finally Dropped

Everton fans have reason for optimism under David Moyes’ management. After years of struggles, new ownership has replaced Farhad Moshiri and Moyes has improved on Sean Dyche’s pragmatic tactics with his own proven approach.

Moyes elevated West Ham from Premier League strugglers to European contenders, winning the Conference League. He’s eliminated Everton’s tactical issues and led a 7-match unbeaten run to pull them clear of relegation trouble to 15th place.

With incoming Director of Football Angus Kinnear tasked with overhauling the squad as 15 contracts expire, Everton are set to enter their new Bramley Moore stadium with some fresh faces. Here’s how Moyes could line up for the 2025/26 campaign:

GK – Jordan Pickford

England and Everton’s undisputed #1 remains a key player and modern club legend. He’s joint-third for Premier League clean sheets this season.

RB – Vladimir Coufal

A pragmatic free transfer from West Ham, where he won European silverware under Moyes. The experienced Czech would compete with Jake O’Brien and Nathan Patterson.

CB – Jake O’Brien

The versatile Irishman has excelled at right-back recently but is most comfortable centrally. He was hailed as a “revelation in defence” at Lyon last season.

CB – Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton’s star defender is attracting £75m interest from Manchester United, but Moyes must fight to keep the homegrown talent on Merseyside.

LB – Vitalii Mykolenko

The Ukrainian divides opinion but has been ever-present this season, playing the third-most Premier League minutes for Everton.

DM – Idrissa Gueye

Despite being 35, the Senegalese midfielder leads the Premier League in tackles and deserves a contract extension as a key player.

CM – James Garner

The industrious midfielder has cemented his place in Moyes’ system, starting Everton’s last 7 league matches. His technical ability complements Gueye’s tough-tackling.

AM – Iliman Ndiaye

The creative Senegalese attacker has shown flashes of brilliance since joining and could thrive in a more advanced role under Moyes next season.