Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, or KDH for short, has received a cautiously optimistic welcome to Everton. Few people are denying his innate abilities, but the big questions surround his transfer fee. £25m for KDH is a sizable chunk of money. This piece isn't about whether that fee is appropriate, but more about what he will definitely bring to the Toffees.
1. Verticality and chance creation
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall's key stats in the last 365 days vs. all midfielders on fbref.com |
|---|
0.35 Non-Penalty Goals per 90 (99th percentile) |
4.76 Shot-Creating Actions per 90 (97th percentile) |
2.47 Progressive Carries per 90 (96th percentile) |
63.58 Passes Attempted per 90 |
It's not a surprise that Everton have struggled to create goals for the past few years. This past season, the Toffees were 17th in goals and 16th in xG according to understat.com. Looking at the stats, it's clear that KDH addresses a need. Now, KDH was deployed at the wing at times for Chelsea, but that position didn't fully maximize his talents as a like-breaking box-to-box midfielder.
In Everton's 4-2-3-1, he could be better suited for the 10 position or as the more advanced player of the two midfielders in the double pivot. His passing has the ability to break lines alongside his dribbling. With Iliman Ndiaye on the left, Everton now have two players that have good dribbling that can pin back defenses and open up space for their teammates.
2. Flexibility is a plus
We referenced this earlier. He's been deployed on the right side, as a box-to-box player, or as an advanced playmaker. Everton have plenty of CAMs with Charly Alcaraz, Ndiaye, and McNeil, so while KDH could very well play in that position, putting him in the double pivot would allow David Moyes to play all of his best players without sacrificing one.
If KDH does play in the double pivot, his role would be slightly higher than his partner. He'd be given the liberty to run forward while also having defensive responsibilites. Staggered double pivots are becoming more and more common in today's game, and he definitely fits the mold. Time will tell where Moyes deploys him, but the Everton manager has options, which is always good.
3. He's excited to be here
Take this with a grain of salt, but the content coming from KDH after he signed with the Toffees has been nothing but positive.
August 6, 2025He's spoken about his thoughts on the stadium, the upwards path that Everton are on, and how this move is good for his career. His words are definitely encouraging when it comes to how the club looks to outsiders. This offseason has been a weird one, but fans can't deny that the signings that have arrived are each exciting in their own way.
KDH has won trophies with Chelsea and just came off a successful Club World Cup campaign, so the fact he is excited to come here speaks volumes. Everton need more players like him, and this is a good start.