ALAN SHEARER CLAIMS TWO PLAYERS WILL STOP EVERTON FROM ‘EVER WINNING THE PREMIER LEAGUE’
The Newcastle United legend has delivered a brutal verdict on Everton — and the Toffees’ supporters are furious.
The Claim That Has Everyone Talking
Alan Shearer has never been one to hold back when sharing his opinions on Premier League clubs. But his latest verdict on Everton has sparked a debate about the club’s chances of competing for the biggest prize in English football.
The former Newcastle United and England striker, speaking on The Overlap, was asked about Everton’s chances of ever winning the Premier League title. His response was reportedly uncompromising.
“Everton will never win the Premier League with those two. Never. Simple as that.”
Shearer reportedly refused to name the players directly, but claims surrounding the discussion suggest he was referring to Michael Keane and James Tarkowski — the experienced centre-back pairing David Moyes has relied on this season.
The comments have prompted debate among Everton supporters, with some defending the two defenders and others questioning whether the club needs younger options to progress.
Some fans have reportedly accused the pundit of disrespecting Everton, particularly given the club’s unbeaten start to the season.
What Shearer Allegedly Said
The former England captain’s reported assessment focused on Everton’s defensive options and whether their current centre-back partnership could help the club compete for the Premier League title.
“They’ve got two centre-halves who are 33 and 32. They’re good defenders, don’t get me wrong. But they’re not title-winning defenders. They’re too slow. They get exposed against the top teams.”
He allegedly added:
“If Everton ever want to win the Premier League, they need to replace those two. Simple as that.”
Shearer also reportedly questioned Everton’s overall ambitions, suggesting that a positive start to the season would not necessarily translate into a sustained title challenge.
“They’ve had a good start, but let’s be realistic. They’re not going to win the league. They’re not even going to challenge for it.”
The reported comments raise an important question: can Everton build a team capable of challenging the Premier League’s biggest clubs with Keane and Tarkowski at the heart of their defence?
What Everton Fans Said
Everton supporters have reportedly been divided over the assessment, with some defending their experienced defenders and others acknowledging that the squad may need strengthening.
One fan wrote:
“Shearer is a joke. We’re unbeaten this season and he’s talking about us like we’re relegation fodder.”
Another reportedly added:
“The same Shearer who has been writing teams off for years? His opinion means nothing.”
A third supporter responded:
“Shearer disrespecting Everton? He’s just trying to get a reaction. We’ll show him.”
Another fan defended the centre-backs, saying:
“Tarkowski and Keane have been superb this season. Shearer is living in the past.”
However, not every supporter disagreed with the criticism.
One Everton fan reportedly admitted:
“Honestly, he’s right. We need younger, faster defenders if we want to progress.”
Another added:
“I love Tarky and Keane, but they’re not getting any younger. Shearer has a point.”
The contrasting reactions highlight the challenge facing Moyes as he looks to build a competitive squad while balancing experience with the need for long-term development.
What Moyes Said
Everton manager David Moyes was reportedly asked about Shearer’s comments during a pre-match press conference and responded by defending his players.
“I respect Alan Shearer. He was a great player. But I don’t listen to what pundits say about my players. I work with them every day. I know their quality.”
He allegedly continued:
“Michael and James have been outstanding for us. They’re leaders. They’re winners. And they’ll prove people wrong.”
Moyes’ reported response reflects the importance he places on Keane and Tarkowski, whose experience could prove valuable as Everton attempt to maintain their strong start.
For the manager, the priority will be ensuring that his defenders continue to deliver consistent performances rather than becoming distracted by outside criticism.
What This Means for Everton
The reported comments come amid an encouraging start to the Premier League season for Everton.
The Toffees have collected 10 points from seven matches and remain unbeaten, according to the supplied report. Their performances have given supporters reasons to be optimistic about the direction of the team under Moyes.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also emerged as an important figure, with his goal and assist in the 2-2 draw against Hull City earning him recognition in Alan Shearer’s Team of the Week.
However, a strong opening to the campaign does not automatically mean Everton are ready to challenge for the title.
Competing with clubs such as Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool requires depth, consistency and quality across every position. Defensive organisation is particularly important over a 38-game season, when injuries, suspensions and difficult away fixtures can test even the strongest squads.
Keane and Tarkowski bring experience and leadership, but questions about their age, pace and ability to cope against elite attacking players could become increasingly relevant if Everton establish themselves near the top of the table.
Ultimately, Everton’s progress will depend on more than two centre-backs. Recruitment, midfield quality, attacking consistency and financial resources will all influence how far the club can go.
Could Everton Ever Win the Premier League?
Everton have a proud history, a passionate fanbase and ambitions to re-establish themselves among English football’s leading clubs.
However, winning the Premier League would require a sustained period of progress rather than one encouraging start to a season.
The club would need to assemble a squad capable of competing consistently against the league’s wealthiest and most established sides. That could mean strengthening the defence, improving squad depth and continuing to recruit players who fit Moyes’ tactical approach.
The debate surrounding Keane and Tarkowski therefore raises a broader question about Everton’s long-term strategy.
Should Moyes continue to trust his experienced defenders, or should the club begin planning for a younger centre-back partnership?
For some supporters, the answer is clear: experience remains valuable, but Everton must eventually invest in younger players if they want to take the next step.
Others will argue that writing off the current partnership is premature, particularly while the team continues to collect positive results.
The Verdict
The reported criticism attributed to Alan Shearer has reignited the debate over Everton’s ambitions and the quality of their defensive partnership.
Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have experience and leadership, but questions about their long-term suitability for a potential title challenge are understandable.
Everton supporters will hope their team’s performances provide the strongest possible response to any doubters. Meanwhile, Moyes will be focused on maintaining momentum rather than entertaining speculation about what pundits think of his players.
Can Everton eventually win the Premier League, or would they need to replace Keane and Tarkowski before they could realistically challenge for the title
Share your thoughts in the comments below.