Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has transformed from a peripheral squad member at Chelsea into a central figure in Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes.
The 27-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge on Saturday with Everton in strong form, having won four of their past five Premier League fixtures. Meanwhile, Chelsea are under growing scrutiny, winless in four matches across all competitions.
Since Moyes arrived in January, no Premier League side has recorded more away victories, increasing optimism that Everton can climb above fifth-placed Chelsea and secure their first European qualification since 2018. The midfielder’s growth has even prompted discussion about a potential England World Cup call-up.
Last season, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged Dewsbury-Hall’s difficulty in securing meaningful minutes despite previously thriving under him during Leicester City’s promotion-winning Championship campaign. His time at Stamford Bridge included being left unused against Tottenham and Brentford, and even omitted from the squad for a league match against Everton. He instead travelled 7,000 miles to Kazakhstan for a low-stakes Conference League match in freezing temperatures.
Despite limited opportunities, Dewsbury-Hall maintained professionalism, contributing in Chelsea’s Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs. This resilience impressed Everton’s recruitment team, who—along with Moyes, long an admirer from his West Ham tenure—identified him as a priority summer signing.
Since arriving, Dewsbury-Hall has started every league match apart from one missed through suspension.
“For me to leave my old club, Chelsea, it had to be for something special—a project I really believed in,” Dewsbury-Hall said following his move.
Everton’s long-term vision, new American ownership, and the prospect of playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium all contributed to the £24m transfer (plus £3m in add-ons). The midfielder embraced the challenge early, telling BBC Radio Merseyside after his first friendly that he wanted to show fans his willingness to “fight” for the badge.
Off the pitch, Dewsbury-Hall has quickly integrated into Liverpool life. Approachable and sociable, he often unwinds by playing snooker, his second-favourite sport. He also enjoys golf and musical theatre, is working toward a sporting directorship qualification through the PFA, and participates regularly in Everton’s community initiatives.
As at Leicester and Chelsea, he is regarded as an excellent dressing-room presence. Some at the club already see him as a future captain. He has forged a strong connection with Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish, having known him previously through mutual football contacts.
“He’s been fantastic,” former Everton captain Leon Osman told BBC Sport. “Wherever he plays in midfield, he delivers the same output. His balance on the ball, passing range, and vision are outstanding, but his energy and work-rate set him apart.”
Inside the club, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye have even been light-heartedly dubbed a new “Holy Trinity,” invoking comparisons to the iconic Kendall–Ball–Harvey trio of the 1960s and 70s.
At Everton, Dewsbury-Hall is thriving in his preferred No. 10 role, though he has willingly adapted to deeper positions when required. Chelsea, however, offered limited opportunities. Cole Palmer was firmly established as the first-choice attacking midfielder, and £107m signing Enzo Fernández also preferred playing higher up the pitch.
The arrivals of João Pedro and Estevão Willian further restricted Dewsbury-Hall’s pathway to minutes. He made just one Premier League start last season, effectively becoming part of the so-called “B team” that featured mainly in cup and Conference League fixtures.
Because of his family background, the Republic of Ireland have expressed interest in Dewsbury-Hall, with Everton captain Seamus Coleman even encouraging the idea. But the midfielder remains focused on representing England.
“I see myself as English and I believe I can play for England,” he said. “I respect Ireland and don’t want to mislead anyone, but my dream is to play for England. I’m at a massive club on the rise and I still believe it’s achievable.”
His performances support that ambition. Dewsbury-Hall is Everton’s joint-top Premier League scorer with four goals—matching his total from his previous 62 combined appearances for Leicester, Chelsea and Everton. He also leads the side in goal involvements alongside Ndiaye and Grealish.
Statistically, he compares favourably with England’s recent No. 10 options. He has created more chances, won possession more often, and made more tackles this season than Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Gibbs-White and Palmer. Only Foden has scored more goals (six) and only Rogers has more assists (three).
“His performances have already alerted Thomas Tuchel,” said Osman. “Garner and Grealish are also pushing for England, but Dewsbury-Hall’s recent displays make him the standout candidate. For tournament football, having someone who can excel in three or four different roles is invaluable.”
