Moyes Looks to Alcaraz as Dewsbury-Hall Misses Key Clash Against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace extended their outstanding unbeaten run under Oliver Glasner last weekend with an impressive victory over Liverpool. That result stretched their streak to 18 matches without defeat, and following a win in European competition, the Eagles have now gone 19 games unbeaten. Their next challenge comes against an Everton side desperate to regain momentum after a mixed run of form.
David Moyes’ Everton have shown considerable improvement throughout 2025, demonstrating greater cohesion and defensive solidity. However, they have gone three league games without a win, and while they boast one of the division’s strongest defensive records — conceding just three goals so far — their attacking play has left much to be desired. The Toffees have struggled in front of goal, with striker Beto yet to find consistent form as their main attacking outlet. For Everton to overcome Palace, Moyes will need far more sharpness in the final third, both from Beto and from those supporting him.
Unfortunately for Moyes, Everton will be without one of their most influential players, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The midfielder, who joined from Chelsea during the summer for £25 million, has been a central figure in Moyes’ tactical setup, bringing creativity, energy, and leadership to the midfield. However, he will miss the upcoming fixture due to suspension after accumulating five yellow cards in his first six Premier League appearances for the club.
Dewsbury-Hall’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. The 27-year-old has played every minute of Everton’s league campaign so far, averaging 2.2 key passes and 5.3 successful duels per match, according to Sofascore. Operating as the advanced point in Everton’s midfield trio, he has become vital in linking defence and attack. Although his physical style of play can occasionally lead to disciplinary issues, many fans and pundits have argued that several of the bookings he received this season were harsh. Even the player himself described the referee decisions as “mind-boggling” on social media.
With Dewsbury-Hall unavailable, Moyes faces a difficult decision regarding who should step into the midfield role. Some supporters have called for young summer signing Tyler Dibling, who arrived from Southampton for £42 million, to be given a chance. However, others believe that Charly Alcaraz is the better option to fill the void — particularly given his past success against Crystal Palace.
The 22-year-old Argentine midfielder returned to the Premier League in January, initially joining Everton on loan before making the move permanent. Alcaraz, who previously played for Southampton, offers a blend of technical ability and tenacity that closely mirrors Dewsbury-Hall’s style. Despite featuring sparingly this season — just four appearances and one start, averaging 32 minutes per game — Alcaraz has impressed in his limited opportunities. His composure on the ball, dribbling skill, and work rate make him a strong candidate to take on the creative responsibility.
Statistically, Alcaraz has proven effective. Data from Sofascore shows that both he and Dewsbury-Hall boast a 100% dribble success rate this season, while the Argentine also ranks among the top 12% of midfielders in Europe’s top leagues for dribbles contested and the top 5% for aerial duels won, according to FBref. These attributes highlight his all-round capabilities, offering something that Dibling has yet to develop fully.
Alcaraz also has positive memories of facing Glasner’s Palace. He scored on his full Premier League debut for Everton in a 2–1 win at Selhurst Park, creating two big chances and making three clearances in that match — a performance that underlined his potential to deliver in big moments. Youth scout Antonio Mango once described Alcaraz as a “special talent,” and Moyes may now need that spark again as Everton look to rediscover their rhythm.
With Dewsbury-Hall suspended until after the international break, this fixture presents a perfect opportunity for Alcaraz to stake his claim for a regular starting role. Moyes must rely on the depth of his squad to navigate a tricky test against one of the league’s most organised and confident teams. Palace’s cohesion under Glasner makes them formidable opponents, but if Alcaraz can channel his previous heroics and Everton find their finishing touch, the Toffees could yet emerge with a vital result.
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