David Moyes made his return to Everton in January, taking charge at Goodison Park for the second time in his career, replacing Sean Dyche.
The Scottish manager has enjoyed a strong start to life back on Merseyside, suffering just one defeat in his ten Premier League matches so far—his first game against Aston Villa—before embarking on a nine-match unbeaten run.
One of Moyes’ immediate successes was revitalizing Portuguese striker Beto, who found the net five times in the manager’s first seven games back. However, Moyes’ influence has its limits, as Everton’s wingers have struggled throughout the season, both under Dyche and since his arrival. Now, it appears he may have found his new Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
Why Diniyar Bilyaletdinov Struggled at Everton
Everton signed Bilyaletdinov from Lokomotiv Moscow in the summer of 2009 for a reported £9m, with high hopes that he would provide a spark on the flanks. However, the Russian winger failed to live up to expectations, managing just eight Premier League goals in 59 appearances before leaving in early 2012.
Despite a promising start with six goals in his debut campaign, his output dwindled to just two goals in 26 league appearances in 2010/11, followed by a goalless first half of the next season. He was then sold to Spartak Moscow for just £5m, representing a clear financial loss and confirming his status as an underwhelming signing.
Everton’s New Bilyaletdinov?
While some might argue that Jack Harrison, currently on loan from Leeds, has been Everton’s biggest underperformer out wide, it is Jesper Lindstrom who has drawn the closest comparisons to Bilyaletdinov.
Lindstrom, signed on loan from Napoli last summer with an option to buy for £19m, has struggled to make an impact, suggesting Everton should avoid triggering that clause.
24/25 Premier League Stats (via Sofascore):
While Harrison has managed a goal and created more chances, Lindstrom has struggled even more, offering little in terms of attacking output. Despite claims from former Everton player Michael Ball that the Dane has been “frustrated” by a lack of service, his return of zero goals and just two assists in 30 appearances across all competitions simply isn’t good enough.
Given his lack of impact and a reported £50k-per-week wage, Lindstrom has failed to justify a £19m investment. If anything, his performances have mirrored Bilyaletdinov’s disappointing Everton spell—an underwhelming wide player who never quite delivered.
Not Harrison: Everton have their new Bilyaletdinov in “frustrated” flop
