Qudus SalihuRoy Keane, a man notoriously difficult to please, has reportedly been “utterly blown away” by the performance of Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Following the Toffees’ gritty 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on January 31, 2026, the punditry legend hailed the midfielder’s display as “unmatched,” even labeling him one of the best players of the season.
Making his first start since returning from a hamstring injury, Dewsbury-Hall was deployed in a creative “No. 10” role behind striker Thierno Barry. Despite Brighton’s relentless pressure, the 27-year-old was the heartbeat of David Moyes’ side, providing the technical quality and “engine” that kept Everton competitive. While the match report notes he missed a golden chance in the 67th minute, his overall work rate and transition play were what caught Keane’s eye.
”I’ve been critical of this Everton team, but Dewsbury-Hall was different class today,” Keane remarked during his post-match analysis. “To come back from injury and dominate the middle of the park against a side like Brighton is no easy feat. He was everywhere—winning the ball back, driving forward, and showing a bit of character. For me, he’s been one of the best players in the league this season when he’s on the pitch. He’s got that hunger you don’t see in many modern players.”
The draw, secured by a dramatic 97th-minute equalizer from Beto, moved Everton up to eighth in the Premier League table. While the late goal grabbed the headlines, Keane insisted that the foundation was laid by Dewsbury-Hall’s “monstrous” individual performance in the final third.
With Everton now pushing for a European spot, Keane’s ringing endorsement has cemented Dewsbury-Hall’s status as the creative linchpin of the “Moyes Revolution.” For the Goodison faithful, hearing such high praise from one of the game’s toughest critics confirms what they have seen all season: that their summer signing is the real deal.
Qudus Salihu
Rabiu Aminu
Mustapha Sheidu
