Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has already given Everton fans one of the more revealing and amusing pre-season quotes of the summer. The midfielder says he wants to wear the smallest shin pads he can get away with, and his reason is refreshingly straightforward: he wants to show off his calves.
That comment adds a bit of personality to what is otherwise a simple detail of match-day kit, but it also fits into a familiar football look. Since his Aston Villa days, Jack Grealish has been known for rolled-down socks and minimal padding, and Dewsbury-Hall made clear that is the standard he wants to follow.
Why Dewsbury-Hall prefers the minimal look
Dewsbury-Hall said: “I don't think shin pads are important,” before adding: “I just want to show off my calves — but obviously Jack Grealish has the best calves I've ever seen.”
It is the kind of comment that tells you plenty about a player’s personality without needing a long explanation. Dewsbury-Hall arrived at Everton from Chelsea last summer, and this sort of light-hearted confidence should help him settle into a dressing room that will already be getting used to his presence.
What it means for Everton
The practical side is simple enough too. IFAB rules require shin guards, but they do not set a minimum size, which means players can still make their own style choices within the laws of the game.
So when Everton face Crystal Palace this weekend, Dewsbury-Hall's calves may even become part of the broadcast conversation. It is a small detail, but these are the kind of pre-season moments that help shape how a new signing is viewed before the serious work begins.
