Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has transformed from a fringe figure at Chelsea into a central piece of Everton’s revival. The 27-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge on Saturday with an Everton side that has won four of its past five Premier League games, while his former club arrives under pressure after four winless matches across competitions.
Everton’s Rise Under Moyes
Since David Moyes’ arrival in January, no Premier League side has won more away matches. That run has boosted belief that Everton can even overtake fifth-placed Chelsea as the push for European football intensifies. Dewsbury-Hall’s form has raised a bigger question too — could he force himself into England’s World Cup plans?
From Chelsea Frustration to New Opportunity
A year ago, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admitted Dewsbury-Hall was struggling in a limited role, despite being Leicester’s player of the season during his promotion campaign under the same manager. He spent last winter unused against Tottenham and Brentford and wasn’t even in the squad for a trip to Everton.
Instead, he was sent on a 7,000-mile journey to Kazakhstan for a freezing Conference League fixture that held little value.
Despite the setbacks, he showed full professionalism, helping Chelsea win both the Conference League and the Club World Cup before leaving in the summer.
Everton Make Him a Priority
Positive scouting reports and his reputation for character convinced Everton — and Moyes, who had tried to sign him at West Ham — to make Dewsbury-Hall their top summer target. Everton secured him for £24m plus £3m in add-ons on a five-year deal. Except for a suspension due to five yellow cards, he has started every league game this season.
Settling Into Life on Merseyside
Dewsbury-Hall said the move had to be “something special”, and the project, new ownership and the upcoming Hill Dickinson Stadium convinced him.
He immediately impressed. After his first pre-season game against Roma, he spoke about playing with “scratches” and showing he is ready to “fight” for the fans.
Off the pitch, he has blended in quickly — often spotted playing snooker in Liverpool, relaxing with golf, attending musical theatre through his partner, taking a sporting directorship course and volunteering in community projects. Inside the dressing room, he is popular, with some already seeing him as a future Everton captain.
Impact in Everton’s Midfield
Former club captain Leon Osman praised his energy, passing range, balance from his left foot and the distance he covers. Dewsbury-Hall has built a strong relationship with loanee Jack Grealish, and along with Iliman Ndiaye, the trio have jokingly been compared internally to Everton’s famed “Holy Trinity” of the 60s and 70s.
Why Chelsea Let Him Leave
At Everton he plays mostly as a number 10, though he has shifted deeper when required. At Chelsea, however, there was little room. Cole Palmer owned the central attacking role, and Enzo Fernández preferred playing further forward. The arrivals of Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian added more congestion.
Dewsbury-Hall started only one Premier League match last season, restricting him mostly to cup and Conference League involvement.
England Dream Still Alive
Ireland approached him due to family heritage, and captain Seamus Coleman asked him about declaring. But Dewsbury-Hall insists he sees himself as English and wants to give himself the best chance to play for England.
His numbers back the ambition. With four league goals — matching his previous 62 appearances combined — he is Everton’s joint-top scorer with Ndiaye. He is also joint-top for goal involvements and ranks high for chance creation and ball recoveries in the final third. Compared with England’s recent number 10 options, only Phil Foden has more goals and only Morgan Rogers has more assists.
A Genuine England Contender
Osman believes his performances will already have alerted Gareth Southgate’s successor, Thomas Tuchel. With versatility across multiple midfield roles and consistent output, Dewsbury-Hall has emerged as one of the strongest English candidates pushing for a place at the next major tournament.
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