When Dibling met Rayan: A tale of two teenagers and contrasting opportunities | OneFootball

Everton’s midweek loss to Bournemouth spotlighted two 19-year-old wingers heading in different directions, with Rayan decisive and Tyler Dibling unused.

Rayan, a January signing from Vasco da Gama for just under £25m including add-ons, equalised and tormented Vitalii Mykolenko. Adrien Truffert supplied the cross for the opener in a smash-and-grab away win. According to The Liverpool Echo, David Moyes later addressed Dibling’s situation.

Bournemouth’s recruitment again looked sharp. A Brazil Under-20 international with nearly 100 Vasco appearances, Rayan was widely scouted, but Bournemouth acted first.

Everton had explored Rayan and Marlon Gomes during 2023-24 while 777 Partners pursued a takeover and eyed player exchanges with Vasco. That bid collapsed, and The Friedkin Group completed a deal in December 2024. With resources tight before then, Everton prioritised ready-made European signings over longer-term projects.

Under TFG, youngsters such as Thierno Barry and Adam Aznou arrived, yet headline recruit Dibling has struggled. His last league start was in early January against Brentford, withdrawn at half-time, and he stayed on the bench on Tuesday as others were shuffled, including Michael Keane up front late on.

Moyes said Dibling is young and quiet, might take time to settle, but must take chances when they come. He added the winger seemed angry with himself and warned that if he did not get his finger out he could be pushed aside.

Bournemouth started Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi at the weekend, with 20-year-old Alex Jimenez also a mainstay. Everton, one of the league’s oldest sides, had only Harrison Armstrong of that age start.

Everton still believe in Dibling’s talent, but patience and persuasion are required. The task now is to change his manager’s mind and seize any opening.

Source: NY Times