Lots of Everton fans have been discussing former player Diniyar Bilyaletdinov after a post from The Toffee Blues on Twitter sparked a debate over whether ex-manager David Moyes played him out of position.
The tweet suggested that the 35-year old would have been a ‘great’ at the Merseyside club if the Scottish coach played him in his ‘natural’ number 10 position.
Indeed, Bilyaletdinov only played twice under Moyes in the central-attacking midfield role, as he was mostly utilised on the wings. The ex-Russian international scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in 77 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees, as per Transfermarkt. He also managed six strikes in 46 senior caps for his country and managed to win three trophies in Russian football.
Many Evertonians seemed to agree that Bilyaletdinov was used incorrectly by Moyes, with one Blue claiming that he was ‘never utilised properly‘. The EFC supporter also described him as a ‘talent’ as others debated how good he could have been:
Agreed, he was never utilised properly, great talent. Probably could be said about a few players at Everton over the last 10 years.
— Mr L (@iamawayrightnow) April 12, 2020
He didn’t have the legs to be a winger but was tactically a great player,would have been a great 10
— its erdingers fault (@danny1878c) April 12, 2020
I agree. He played there once (Europa league I think) and was quality. For Russia he was often superb.
— Jamie Rowland (@rowloefc) April 12, 2020
That was a Moyes thing that. Bought Naismith to partner Jelavic like they played at Rangers, then never played them together
— William Gilligan (@Gillsta1878) April 12, 2020
Moyes expected every Striker to play like a Centre Mid, ruining many an out and out goalscorer in the process and negatively affecting the mindset of a generation of fans with regards to a goalscorer’s job.
Change my mind!!!.
You’re right about Billy too
— Alex Smith (@alexdsmiff) April 12, 2020
Saw his recent interview where he said he had regrets leaving Everton and that he should have stayed.
He had the potential to be a very good #10 for us.
— Alexander Vasyov (@RusToffee) April 12, 2020
Everton fans, did you think Moyes played Bilyaletdinov out of position? Comment below!
