Everton’s draw against Accrington Stanley saw some valuable minutes in the tank ahead of the Summer Series later this month.
David Moyes had to put together his first starting XI of the season at the Wham Stadium.
The 62-year-old only had one of his three Everton summer additions available, with Carlos Alcaraz playing from the start.
Ironically, Moyes could be heard shouting orders at Alcaraz during the opening 20 minutes against the League Two outfit.
However, there were some players handed opportunities to impress Moyes ahead of a decisive summer for their futures.
Everton fans were wowed by Harrison Armstrong, but there was another youngster who really shone for the Toffees.
Accrington Stanley v Everton - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Everton may have a secret weapon in Isaac Heath
Moyes is open to offering Everton youngsters minutes this summer, with the 62-year-old left waiting on more signings.
The opportunity to impress is there for the young prospects and there was one player to really stand out against Accrington Stanley.
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Winger Isaac Heath came on in the second half for the Blues and immediately made an impact.
It was Alcaraz who Heath replaced for the final 25 minutes of the game, and the 20-year-old will have caught Moyes’ attention ahead of the game on Saturday against Blackburn Rovers.
Heath was spotted in Everton training with the senior side earlier this year under Moyes, but he is yet to make an impact on a matchday.
Having won the penalty with a jinking run into the opposition’s box, journalist Joe Thomas hailed the youngster’s display as ‘excellent’.
Post-match thoughts from Everton’s opening game of the summer.
Thought Harrison Armstrong started his case to stay with the first team well.
Isaac Heath and Justin Clarke were excellent too, a good night for the academy wingers.
Thoughts in full 👇https://t.co/dhLM69lLAL pic.twitter.com/9SsswqklKR
— Joe Thomas (@joe_thomas18) July 15, 2025
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The youngster’s long-term future is on Merseyside after Heath recently signed a new Everton deal to keep him at the club until 2028.
But he may well just be playing into Moyes’ plans for the upcoming season if he can keep up this level of performance.
David Moyes must start Isaac Heath vs Blackburn Rovers
Everton fans only have to wait a matter of days before their next outing in pre-season, with an away trip to Ewood Park.
With three signings already complete, Moyes is keen to sign a new winger and there have been some big names linked.
Of course, Everton will be looking to sign a starting right-winger following the departure of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom.
Heath has provided fans with a taste of what he could bring to this Everton side this season, and Saturday could be the perfect opportunity to put him in from the start.
This is not to say that Heath could save Everton millions in not signing a new winger, but the youngster is showing he could potentially play some role under Moyes.