After an underwhelming start, the 20-year-old – forced to watch from the sidelines as his former club dumped Everton out of Europe – has started justifying that huge outlay, although that lately it has been while employed as a makeshift striker says everything about the resources at Moyes’s disposal.

Perhaps the turning point of Everton’s campaign came when Moyes ended months of uncertainty concerning his future by penning a new five-year contract in October.

Before then, his team had taken just eight points from seven games; they have accrued 24 in 13 games since.

A successful manager is a lucky manager. And while no-one can accuse Moyes of having any great fortune this season in terms of injuries, those absentees have imposed a formation that is bringing the best out of a previously spluttering midfield.

Mikel Arteta has rediscovered his mojo in a central role where Phil Neville provides ample support, a fit-again Steven Pienaar brings a creative edge while both Fellaini and in particular Tim Cahill are revelling in their temporary advanced roles.

The confidence has spread to a defence which at one point went 17 games without keeping a clean sheet, the club’s worst record in 33 years.

Prompted by player-of-the-season Phil Jagielka and a revitalised Joleon Lescott, Everton’s mean streak has returned with five shut-outs in the last six outings.

Of course, Moyes cannot persist without strikers forever.

And with Yakubu and James Vaughan out for the season and Victor Anichebe more impact substitute than leading man, much will depend on the injury-prone Saha and whichever striker (or strikers) the Goodison manager can attract during next month’s transfer window with his limited funds.

The injury problems have meant opportunity has knocked for a clutch of youngsters and fringe players.

Jack Rodwell demonstrated his promise during the opening weeks, while latterly Dan Gosling has shown he could also have a bright future at the club. Even the lesser-spotted Andy van der Meyde has seen some action.

So, what of the rest of the campaign? Everton are actually only one point worse off than at this stage last season, when they were also sixth. But while just six points adrift of the Champions League places, another fifth-placed finish and UEFA Cup qualification is the more realistic aim.

After all, Moyes’s men have taken just two points from their seven games so far against last season’s top eight.

And with trips to Anfield, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Villa Park to come, Everton’s impressive away form will be severely tested.