Everton manager David Moyes admitted he has not been as involved with the club’s academy as he was during his first stint on Merseyside.
Over recent years, the number of players coming out of Everton’s academy and actually making an impact on the first team has been incredibly low.
The standout name will obviously be Harrison Armstrong, who is plying his trade in the Championship with Preston North End.
Everton are considering recalling Armstrong in January as he continues to impress amid their ongoing midfield issues.
However, there are a number of other names who Moyes will have been provided in his first year back at the club.
The 62-year-old was quizzed on one specific player on Friday and the youngster responded with two goals on the same evening.
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Braiden Graham nets a brace after David Moyes’ Everton concerns
In the Premier League 2, Braiden Graham has not stopped scoring for Everton, with the academy star the standout player in the current crop.
The 18-year-old striker was the main man once again on Friday night in a stunning FA Youth Cup victory away to Millwall.
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Graham netted a brace, with one of the goals leaving his teammates absolutely wowed.
What more does Braiden Graham need to do to earn Moyes’ trust? 🌟
An overview of Braiden Graham's stats for the 2025/26 season.
Credit: Getty Images/Domenic Aquilina/NurPhoto.
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“What a strike! Brilliant from Braiden Graham – the sharp-shooter in the Youth Cup. You will not see a better goal in Round Three. Braiden Graham, take a bow!” said the commentator.
The Northern Ireland youth international caught the half volley with his left foot to perfection to smash the ball home.
Given Everton’s current striker issues, it is no wonder why his name keeps cropping up in press conferences.
U21s coach Paul Tait has waxed lyrical about Graham and will surely have informed Moyes of just how well the striker is performing.
But Moyes did not seem too certain in Friday’s press conference.
What David Moyes said about Braiden Graham
Earlier in the year, it was suggested that Everton were looking to improve their youth-level recruitment to really bolster the output from their academy.
Everton News understands that Everton have scouted 17-year-old Michael Noonan over recent weeks at the U17 World Cup.
Braiden Graham is doing things Beto and Thierno Barry could only dream of… 😳
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There are still some bright sparks in the current set-up, with Moyes asked about Braiden Graham specifically on Friday afternoon.
“I’ve not seen as much as I would have seen in the past. Partly because my job was to make sure we weren’t relegated,” said Moyes.
“From what I’m hearing and the feedback I’m getting is that they’re doing ok. Maybe they need to do a bit more before they’re ready for the first team.”
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