David Moyes Is Not Ready To Let 23-Year-Old Leave: Should Everton Gamble On Him Staying Fit?

Q: Why is David Moyes unwilling to let the 23-year-old player leave Everton?

David Moyes believes the player's talent is crucial for Everton's ambitions as they aim for European football.

Q: What impact has David Moyes had on Everton since his return in January 2025?

Since Moyes' return, Everton has moved from a relegation battle to eighth place in the Premier League, showing significant improvement.

Q: What was the outcome of Everton's recent match against Chelsea?

Everton won 3-0 against Chelsea, showcasing their disciplined performance and boosting confidence ahead of the Merseyside derby.

David Moyes Is Not Ready To Let 23-Year-Old Leave: Should Everton Gamble On Him Staying Fit?

Everton find themselves in a great spot right now, sitting eighth in the Premier League after 32 matches. Since David Moyes returned to the dugout in January 2025, he has managed to pull the club away from a relegation scrap and into the hunt for European football.

The Toffees recently cruised to a 3-0 win over Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, a performance that really highlighted how disciplined and well-drilled they’ve become. Fans are now excited for the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on April 19, especially with the gap to fifth place down to just four points. After years of financial stress and fighting for survival, the new stadium and fresh ownership have finally given the Blue half of the city a real sense of purpose.

David Moyes stands firm on Argentine talent

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, David Moyes has no intention of letting Carlos Alcaraz leave, despite interest from other clubs. The 23-year-old Argentine has found it tough to break into the starting lineup lately, mostly because Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye have been in such incredible form. While there are rumors Alcaraz is looking for a move to get more game time, Moyes expects him to be a big part of the 2026/27 season.

The numbers back up his technical ability; he averages about 37 passes a game with an 81% completion rate. On top of that, he’s chipping in with 1.2 key passes per match and an expected assists (xA) of 0.19, stats that put him ahead of 77% of other Premier League midfielders (stats via Footy Stats). Injuries have held Alcaraz to just 16 games and one assist, but the staff are confident these fitness problems are just a bluk rather than a long-term issue.

Should Everton gamble on Alcaraz staying fit?

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 27: Carlos Alcaraz of Everton arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton at Turf Moor on December 27, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Everton really need to hang onto Carlos Alcaraz. His underlying stats show he has that creative spark that this gritty squad sometimes lacks. Moyes usually goes for reliable, physical players, but the Argentine offers something different, the kind of vision needed to break down stubborn defences in European competition. Selling a young talent after one injury-plagued year would be bad business, especially when his creative output is still so high compared to others in the league.

Instead of hunting for a replacement in a frantic summer market, the club should focus on a specialised rehab plan for him. Keeping him around ensures the squad is deep enough for the extra games that come with a European schedule. Alcaraz gives Moyes the tactical flexibility to change games on the fly, and his potential is much higher than anyone else the club could realistically afford. Letting him go now would almost certainly mean watching him shine somewhere else for twice the price.