Derby County's Harrison Armstrong (right) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game.
Everton's Harrison Armstrong (right) was excellent in his loan spell at Derby County
Like a breath of fresh air, Harrison Armstrong helped secure Derby's place for another season in the Championship — after he made 15 appearances and scored one goal during his time on loan at Pride Park.
Everton manager David Moyes praised the 18-year-old and admitted Armstrong had 'come back a different player' upon the midfielder's return to his home club.
Armstrong's solid performances for the Rams have given Everton food for thought as they look at ways to develop the under-18 England international. The teenage footballer is considered to be one of the most promising up and comers in the Merseyside club’s youth ranks.
Harrison Armstrong was on loan at Derby from Everton (Image: Emma Simpson/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
"He’s back a different player because he’s probably got 25 Championship games under his belt for a young boy, which is very good,” Moyes said at the time.
The promising footballer penned a new Everton contract in February — which runs until 2028 — and looks set to have a very bright future ahead with the Blues. Derby picked up a crucial 21 points in the matches Armstrong started, highlighting his importance to the team and it has been widely reported that the Rams would love to have him back for the 2025/2026 season.
But according to TEAMtalk, Armstrong and Everton both have other plans for his development. The midfielder reportedly intends to stay with Everton next term and fight for a place in the first team which has been welcomed by those at the club. The Scottish manager and other Everton staff are said to be huge admirers of Armstrong and believe he is a talent with top-class potential.