Harrison Armstrong is enjoying his breakthrough season in the Everton men’s first team. Having been recalled from his loan spell at Preston this winter, the teenager has consistently featured in David Moyes’ plans.
While he initially played in his natural role in midfield when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye were missing, Armstrong has lately been deployed on the flanks to fill in for the injured Jack Grealish. Grealish is out for the remainder of the campaign with a stress fracture in his foot.
Armstrong, despite not being a natural winger, has used his technical ability to great effect. Speaking about adapting to a wide role and having to fill in the shoes of Grealish, Armstrong said, “Jack is an unbelievable player and just a good person – someone I can learn a lot from.
“Playing out wide has given me certain lessons to help me for the future, for when I maybe go back into midfield – learning what those players working next to me need. Watching Jack, and watching him from afar while I was out on loan was great because he's a really special player.
“It's part of the sport – if you're not able to adapt and overcome challenges, then you're not in the right game. It's always going to be tough, whether you're in the middle or out wide, but I'm just fortunate to be having the opportunities because there aren't many teenagers who are playing in the Premier League consistently and I'm trying to make the most of mine.”
It has been a big year for Armstrong. After a strong pre-season tour in the US, he played a few matches for the senior team before being sent on loan to Preston North End in the Championship.
Injuries and multiple absences forced the club to recall the young midfielder’s loan spell early but he has embraced the opportunity with both hands and delivered on his manager’s trust.
“It's any local lad's dream – to be playing in the first team. Now that I'm here doing it, it's a bit surreal in a way, but I'm cherishing every moment and I want to make the most of it,” Armstrong added.
“I'm like a sponge around him [David Moyes]. He's worked with some unbelievable players and won big competitions. I'm just coming in every day ready to learn from him, as well as the staff and the rest of the lads here. The manager has really shown trust in me and he's helping me kick my career on, but I know I've got to repay that in performances on the pitch and hopefully I can continue to do that.”
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