Everton have really high hopes for 18-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong.
In fact, David Moyes was actually really unsure about loaning Harrison Armstrong in the summer transfer window, with the Scotsman seriously considering keeping him in his Everton first-team.
But, the decision was made to send Armstrong to Preston North End for the season to continue his development.
Preston fans have been blown away by Armstrong’s performances so far, and they’re fearful the Toffees will recall him in January.
Armstrong netted his first goal for Preston in a 1-1 draw against Wrexham on Saturday, and his manager Paul Heckingbottom made an exciting prediction about the Toffees youngster.
Preston North End midfielder Harrison Armstrong.
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images
Paul Heckingbottom predicts Everton’s Harrison Armstrong to right to the top
Speaking to the media after Preston’s score draw at Deepdale, Heckingbottom waxed lyrical about Armstrong and tipped him to go right to the very top.
“Yeah, took it nicely,” Heckingbottom said about Armstrong’s goal.
Would you recall Harrison Armstrong in January?
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“I’ve just been saying he plays a different role probably for us, than he did at Derby last year, with and without the ball. He’ll find himself high up the pitch and be a lot more aggressive. I think that really suits him. He’s a player who’s 18 and already having a big impact on Championship games.
“One because of his talent, but probably more so because of his personality on the pitch and his drive to win. He really affects games positively and that’s his gift, that’s his talent… and he’s got so much more to learn as well. He should get even better, so I think he’s going to be a top player.”
Preston fans have predicted Armstrong to become England captain one day, so clearly the Everton teenager is well on track to become a first-teamer for Everton in the very near future.
Everton should recall Harrison Armstrong
Moyes admitted last month that he is considering recalling Armstrong in January after his sensational performances in the Championship.
“We’ll consider it in January, but at the moment, him getting the games at the age he is at and where he is performing… Preston will hopefully have a good chance at making the play-offs.”
Everton News understand Moyes would ideally like to leave Armstrong at Deepdale for the season, as he feels it’d be more beneficial for his development.
But, injuries could alter that thinking and it could also depend on how long the Toffees are without Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is jetting off to AFCON later this month.
The final of that tournament takes place on January 18th, so Gueye could be away with Senegal for up to a month.
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