Everton‘s transfer activity over the summer may lead David Moyes into changing things up for the 2026/27 season.
The Toffees basically fell apart towards the end of the last Premier League campaign. They struggled mightily following Jack Grealish’s season-ending injury in January and couldn’t work out a reliable replacement for him.
Iliman Ndiaye went from playing on the right wing to the left. Central midfielder Merlin Rohl filled in for the Senegalese’s old spot, but failed to provide real value there.
However, it looked like a priority of theirs to address those issues in the current transfer window. Everton made Tyrique George’s loan from Chelsea permanent and also swapped Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson with Crystal Palace.
Tyler Dibling, 20, is also in the squad and could still develop, despite an underwhelming debut season following a £40million move from Southampton.
But their true strength lies in midfield – especially now considering their transfer activity.
Why are Everton better off in a 4-3-3 than the usual 4-2-3-1?
Moyes’ favourite formation
David Moyes had a clear way of setting his side up last season. Tthe Toffees lined up in a 4-2-3-1 in a whopping 38 of their 38 league games. That was the highest percentage (97%) of any team in a single formation in the 2025/26 Premier League.
Tim Iroegbunam played 29 games to Idrissa Gueye’s 25, but the Senegalese midfielder racked up more minutes overall. The double pivot featuring him and James Garner was one of the few bright spots in the Toffees’ season.
However, it may get even better this year. Not only did they sign Christian Norgaard from Arsenal for the holding midfielder spot, but also Championship Player of the Year Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old can perform multiple roles and is an all-around kind of player.
Hackney was one of only two players to record 50+ tackles (68), chances created (83), shot attempts (98) and successful take-ons (54). He also did that while chipping in with 12 goal involvements (five goals, seven assists). And nearly broke the same barrier in fouls conceded (56) and won (49), proving he gets stuck in when necessary.
Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George aren’t exactly ‘locks’ for performing straight away, like Ndiaye is. Should one or both of them not work out, Hackney could perfectly fill in on the wing as a wide attacking midfielder who drifts inside rather than hugging the touchline. It would allow Moyes to maintain his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Time to switch?
A 4-3-3 would accomodate James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall a little better. While he can definitely play the role, KDH isn’t a classic No.10 and is more of a No.8. Garner is perfectly fine in a double pivot but would have to cover less ground in a midfield trio. Norgaard would be the No.6 in this scenario, as Squawka laid out a few weeks ago.
This specific lineup would also encourage one of Moyes’ preferred ways of creating shots. Both Garner (41) and Dewsbury-Hall (32) featured in the top-six midfielders for out-swinging, open-play crosses in the Premier League last season. Considering their only striker options remain Thierno Barry and Beto, it’s safe to say these attempts will still be in play.
Hackney could then appear as a wide attacking midfielder or in any of the CM roles. Should the Toffees not land a deal for Alistair Johnston or any other right-back, Garner could play there in an iverted role with Ndiaye or Johnson just ahead of him.
Wider benefits to switch
We have already mentioned how forcing Jake O’Brien as a full-back can not only hinder his development as a solid centre-back but also hurt the team’s chances of creating quality opportunities.
A three-midfielder set also suits other players better. Iroegbunam often finds himself with more attacking and creative responsibilities than he should have in a double pivot, but could slot in nicely in the same role as Norgaard.
Harrison Armstrong was also showing great signs as a No.6 in a midfield trio at Preston North End. Ben Whiteman provided defensive security and Alfie Devine had more freedom in front of him. The Lilywhites fully collapsed after Everton cut his loan short in January and couldn’t replace him.
Carlos Alcaraz is another player who has excelled when having more freedom to roam. Often finding touches in the defending half, not always stuck between the lines at the No.10 spot. The Argentine prefers to play more towards the left-hand side.
Rohl could also benefit from the formation change and not play out wide. The role as an outside central midfielder from the right feels the most adequate for his development. It’s also what reminds the most of how he played at Freiburg.
The 4-3-3 may be the best suited formation to accomodate this new-look Everton squad. There are far more midfield options now than there was last season and Moyes should embrace it. The Toffees would have a more coherent distribution of playing time. As well as a more defined formation for starters and also back-ups.