Former Everton midfielder Barry Horne believes criticism of David Moyes’ perceived negative approach is understandable but has urged supporters to consider the limitations of the current squad before demanding a more attacking style of football.
Horne acknowledged that Everton could be more adventurous going forward, particularly when comparing Moyes’ approach with teams such as Brighton and Bournemouth, but argued that the manager is still building a team capable of playing more expansive football.
Speaking to ToffeeWeb for the Once a Blue podcast, the former midfielder pointed to Moyes’ first spell as evidence of how the Scot has previously developed a successful Everton side, insisting the process required patience and a defensive foundation.
“I think that’s possibly fair, that might be a fair criticism,” Horne said when asked whether Moyes’ approach was too negative.
However, he questioned whether comparisons with teams capable of playing attacking football were entirely fair, given Everton’s current resources and the lack of depth in certain positions.
Horne recalled how Moyes initially built his first Everton team from the back, with results often involving narrow victories and low-scoring draws before the squad gradually evolved into one capable of regularly challenging for European qualification.
The likes of Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill, Steven Pienaar, and Leon Osman eventually helped Everton become one of the Premier League’s more attractive sides, according to Horne.
He believes a similar rebuilding process is now required, particularly given Everton’s lack of options in attack.
“I get that in an ideal world, we’d all be playing heavy metal football and we’d be attack, attack, attack, but I’m not sure we’ve got the players to do it. And the team is evolving. Go back to when David Moyes first joined the club and how he built that team to get us where we were, and I think that’s pretty much what we’re having to do now.
It’s great to see Dewsbury-Halll carrying the ball forward brilliantly. So there are signs for me that there is an attacking intent there. I take that criticism, but with a caveat, be very, very careful what you wish for. Because David Moyes is, I hope, building a squad in a similar way to what he did the first time around.”
Horne believes the manager faces a particularly demanding period after the international break, especially with Everton having limited options up front.
The upcoming schedule includes difficult assignments against Liverpool, Manchester City and Brentford, leaving Moyes with a significant challenge as he looks to keep Everton competitive. Horne believes that is precisely why the club needs someone with Moyes’ experience in the dugout.
“He’s got to get through those games with one striker. That requires a manager of experience and of knowledge and there’s somebody who knows the Premier League. David Moyes has managed 1200 games, 700 in the Premier League. I’m not sure there is, for right now, anyone better to look after the club.”
Read more – Everton’s turnaround(s)