David Moyes has told Everton’s young players to be patient and summer arrival Hayden Hackney, who has barely played, says he agrees.
Despite a relatively strong start to the season, the Everton manager has come in for plenty of criticism, with one of the loudest complaints being how little he has used the young talent in his squad. Hackney is the most obvious example.
The midfielder arrived in the summer as a very exciting prospect, but his minutes were very limited. Against Chelsea, he even pushed in behind Christian Norgaard, who impressed when given the chance.
What did David Moyes say about Hayden Hackney and the young players?
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s visit, published on Everton’s official website, Moyes responded to his lack of confidence in youth.
He has shown the players he has coached in the past and how much they expect:
“My history shows that Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Tim Cahill, all those who came in, might have to wait a little bit before becoming regulars in the first team.
“I’m not saying these players have to do that, but I hope they develop like those guys.
“When they come, hopefully they can show what they can do.”
Hackney, Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling are among those who will take this as a message. It doesn’t promise minutes, but it does offer real confidence in what they can offer.
Hayden Hackney is ready to earn Moyes’ trust
The comments come amid growing desire among supporters to have Hackney in their side. Leon Osman recently suspected the midfielder’s lack of football, but the player himself was more relaxed about it.
Speaking on a podcast, Hackney said he understood the arrival process as a new signing and that he had to win over his manager.
“I have to earn the manager’s trust by coming in as a new player. I think it will take time.
“Be patient, but I think I’m ready to play now. And I’ll try to show it every day in training. But yeah, to be fair, I’m happy to start.”
That’s exactly the kind of attitude Moyes requires. He also fits into a heavily reshuffled squad in the summer, which we looked at in our Everton transfer window roundup.
Author’s opinion
Moyes has a fair point about his record and Baines, Jagielka, Lescott and Cahill are hard names to argue with. But patience only works when the waiting is over. Hackney sounds ready and he sounds happy, and with Nørgaard performing well in front of him, the question is when will the door open. Everton fans will want him to open soon.