Over the past decade, an abundance of household names has passed through the Everton academy system, including Erling Haaland and Joshua Zirkzee, yet few have left a meaningful impact on the Blues.
Whilst the profitable sale of Anthony Gordon was positive, and Tom Davies’s efforts both on and off the pitch were commendable, it still feels as though not enough youngsters get their opportunity to excel and make a name for themselves at Everton. However, a handful of talents could get their chance to alter the context this season.
Energetic and eager to emerge, Harrison Armstrong is undoubtedly one of Everton’s most encouraging prospects. The defensive-minded midfielder impressed in tiny glimpses for the Blues last season, before raising eyebrows during a short but impactful spell at Derby County.
In a game overshadowed by Dyche’s departure just hours before kick-off, and the Ashley and Tyler Young father-versus-son scenario, Armstrong was a stand-out in a 2-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough. The midfielder threaded a precise pass through to Guinea-Bissau international Beto, for the striker to finish smartly, whilst also consistently providing Everton with creativity and energy.
At just 18, Armstrong still has a great deal of time to tweak his game and develop physically. Nevertheless, the England under-18 international could immediately slot into Everton’s midfield if he impresses during Everton’s physically demanding pre-season schedule.
Whilst former manager, Sean Dyche, evidently showed little interest in Everton’s academy, he did hand 20-year-old Roman Dixon a difficult debut away to Spurs, which with a positive mindset, gave him invaluable experience. Whilst the remaining members of the ageing squad were appalling, Dixon provided a valiant display during the 4-0 thrashing.
The right-back who, in a utopian world, would solve Everton’s notorious problems with the position, is known for his slaloming forays forward and defensive awareness. With little first-team experience, Dixon will likely be loaned out, with Stockport County interested in the Englishman. He’s one to keep an eye out for, though.
Furthermore, Martin Sherif has been a popular talking point for Blues for a few years now, yet the former Netherlands youth international is still only 19 years of age. The 6”3 striker has been a prolific goal scorer for the Blues at academy level and will surely get an opportunity to display his talent in front of goal at senior level.
Both Armstrong and Sherif have taken part in an industrious pre-season training camp in Scotland and will be hoping to feature in tomorrow’s friendly away to Accrington Stanley. Alongside the pair, both Braiden Graham and Jenson Metcalfe have laboured during the camp, and may also find first-team football at a relatively high level.
In conclusion, if Everton want to shift their focus to the future, they are obliged to utilise the academy. Last season, the outdated Dyche selected two starting line-ups with an average age of 30.1 years, the highest in the Premier League.
Whilst the crucial experience of Idrissa Gana Gueye (35) cannot be overstated, it would be refreshing to see David Moyes start Harrison Armstrong (18) more frequently as a holding midfielder during the upcoming season. In the same way, both Roman Dixon and Martin Sherif could certainly breakthrough into Everton’s first team, ahead of alternatives, even if that is just for a short period of time.
On the other hand, the low-stakes clash with Accrington Stanley tomorrow night should provide a logical insight into the ability of a few members of Everton’s academy.
On the other hand, the low-stakes clash with Accrington Stanley tomorrow night should provide a logical insight into the ability of a few members of Everton’s academy.