David Moyes has taken a lot of criticism this season despite Everton’s relatively strong season. One criticism has been his usage of the younger talents in the squad, such as Hayden Hackney.

After arriving in the summer as a hugely exciting talent, Hayden Hackney hasn’t been treated as such by David Moyes, with very limited game time, and against Chelsea, he was even pushed behind Christian Norgaard.

David Moyes tells Hayden Hackney to be patient

Criticism is thrown at Moyes for not trusting young players or bringing them through and developing them. But in his pre-Arsenal press conference, as quoted on the official Everton site, he has hit back and explained why patience is a virtue.

“My history would suggest – Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Tim Cahill – all those ones who came in might’ve had to wait a bit of time before they became first-team regulars.

“I’m not saying these players have to do that. But hopefully, they develop as well as those boys did.

“When they come on, hopefully they can show what they’re capable of.”

Moyes has clearly set the gauntlet for Hackney, Tyrique George, and Tyler Dibling, to name a few, and his comments do suggest a real level of belief in their ability.

Hackney working to earn David Moyes’ trust

Moyes’ comments come amid a growing desire to see Hackney play. Leon Osman questioned Hackney’s lack of football, but the player himself has actually been pretty laid back and admitted he remains confident and ready to work.

Speaking on the Beast Mode On podcast, Hackney explained he is happy and knows he needs to earn the trust of Moyes before he can expect regular football.

“I need to earn the manager’s manager’s trust from coming in as a new player. I think that will take time.

“Be patient, but I think that I’m ready to play now. And I’ll try to show that every day in training. But yeah, I’m happy the way it’s started, to be fair.”

Hackney is a brilliant player and is also fantastic off the pitch. He will come good and is clearly willing to put in the work to impress Moyes, before long he will shine through.