Next up in the 2026-27 Season Preview series is a position of relative strength for Everton – the central midfielders.
Everton will go into the forthcoming campaign with David Moyes facing a number of dilemmas, but the usual issue of not having enough bodies for certain areas will not apply to the central midfield this season, with the Scot spoiled for choice in that area.
No fewer than three signings have been made in pre-season (including Merlin Rohl’s move being made permanent) while Idrissa Gana
Gueye said goodbye to Merseyside as his contract to pursue a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
But how does Moyes put together the heart of his team with his new faces and current crop?
Hayden Hackney, last season’s Championship Player of the Season, arrived in July after Everton were able get a deal agreed with Middlesborough, and the Blues further strengthened their midfield ranks with the acquisition of Christian Nørgaard from Arsenal earlier this month.
Though a doubt for Saturday’s curtain raiser with Crystal Palace, it would look as though the Danish veteran will be filling the void left by Gueye’s departure when fully fit.
Hackney, on the other hand, may well be a more difficult predication given Moyes’ preference to use a 4-2-3-1 system, although I wonder if the manager has asked the 24-year-old if he can play right back?
But if that area of concern is rectified, will the former Middlesborough star be the one entrusted to be the Toffees’ ball-carrying midfielder, or even be moulded into that No.6?
The latter seems less likely given the arrival of Nørgaard, so will Hackney be a regular starter this season?
And with the right side of the defence STILL in need of addressing at the time of writing, the area of central midfield may well look a bit different as the season progresses.
Current Players
James Garner
Everton Men’s Player of the Season and Player of the Season for 2025/26, the Birkenhead-born star ended the term with 38 Premier League starts, recording 3,413 minutes – the most for any Everton outfielder.
Tenancious, versatile, and with the ability to pick a key pass either in play or via set piece, Garner will more than likely be one of Moyes’ key players this season, and can also play right back, although we hope that the former Manchester United man will be plying his trade in the centre of the park, given his ability to occupy a number of roles and carry out a number of duties, including playing right back.
Another who is doubtful for Saturday following surgery for a groin issue, the Toffees will want and need him playing at the peak of his powers, just like last season.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Another who was outstanding for the Toffees last season, the former Chelsea man arrived at Hill Dickinson last year and hit the ground running with eight goals and recorded four assists – the most goal contributions of any Everton player in the campaign – including winner away against Manchester United, which was the Blues’ first victory at Old Trafford since 2013.
No matter what formation Moyes goes with, it would be hugely surprising if the 27-year-old isn’t a regular starter, and will probably be the man charged with linking up midfield with attack.
Merlin Rohl
Completing his move from Bundesliga club SC Freiburg in September 2025 after a season-long loan on Merseyside which included an obligation to buy in the summer of 2026, the athletic German made 16 top-flight appearances for the Toffees during 2025/26, and has already earned a reputation as a versatile footballer capable of performing a number of roles.
Another who has been mooted as a potential right back should a specialist full-back not be acquired, Rohl delivered arguably his best game last season against Manchester City at home while occupying a role wide on the right, but perhaps his versatility may well harm his chances of nailing down a regular starting place when everyone is fit.
However at just 23, the former German U-21 international has time on his side and is one for the future.
Harrison Armstrong
An academy graduate, Armstrong was jus 17 years old when he was named on the bench for the Toffees’ season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2024, going on to make his senior Everton debut later that month, featuring from the bench in a Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur.
Having impressed on loan at both Derby County and Preston North End, the West Derby native returned to Everton earlier this year and made six Premier League starts, while earning frequent minutes between the start of January and the end of February.
Named the Club’s Young Player of the Season award after the campaign’s conclusion, Armstrong has caught the eye in pre-season with his forward thinking and incisive passing, but another loan deal may well be on the horizon for the talented teen as he continues his development.
Charley Alcaraz
The popular Argentine is a fan favourite on Merseyside, but has struggled to cement a starting place in Moyes’ team, making 22 appearances across all competitions during 2025/26.
A player who shines best in a forward role, the former Flamengo may well struggle to land that No.10 role or ply his trade out wide given the acquisition of a number of wingers during the summer, but Alcaraz is that kind of star always capable of making something happen and getting the crowd off their seats.
Whether he will remain happy playing a bit-part role, or whether Moyes will fully trust the enigmatic South American, remains to be seen.
Tim Iroegbunam
The athletic and combative midfielder looked to be Hull City bound a week ago, although certain sources have claimed the move is now off due to an injury sustained by the 23-year-old.
The former Aston Villa star made 31 appearances for the Toffees last season but seems to split the fanbase and if any players are surplus to requirements form the midfield area, then he is most likely, given the options now available to the Everton manager.
State of the Position
Though Moyes may pine for Thomas Soucek in his midfield, Everton’s strength in that area is arguably its strongest position. Whether it be 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, Moyes does have options with players that can produce quality.
Garner and Nørgaard will be pivotal to the plans of the Everton boss, who always feels more comfortable with a holding player, something the latter definitely is, but with the likes of Rohl, Hackney, Dewsbury-Hall and Armstrong in the Toffees’ ranks, the Blues midfield is more than capable helping the team push towards those European spots.
And one more thing: SIGN A RIGHT BACK, EVERTON!
