Braiden Graham was unable to save Everton’s U18s from being eliminated from their FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Manchester City.
Everton were left feeling hard done by after two controversial refereeing decisions left Keith Southern absolutely perplexed.
As expected, Graham dropped down from the U21s to represent the U18s, but he was unable to build on his return of four goals in the competition.
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It was a difficult evening for the exciting Everton prospect, but there were some positives to be taken from his display at the Joie Stadium.
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Braiden Graham looked a real threat in Everton’s FA Youth Cup vs Man City
The referee flipped the game on its head in the second half. However, Graham showed glimpses of excellence in the opening 45 minutes.
Paul Tait has suggested Graham could play for Everton’s senior side, but he would have to do so by starting on the wing.
Does David Moyes need to put more trust in Everton’s academy players? 😤
Surely some of these players can do better than Beto and Dwight McNeil! 😡
Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
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Graham started on Friday evening from the left-wing and was regularly looking to cut inside and get his shot away.
Having taken aim shortly after 10 minutes, Emile Heskey hailed the attacking threat Graham was providing the Young Blues.
“I think this is showing exactly where the threat lies,” Heskey said during the commentary on the FA Cup’s YouTube channel.
Braiden Graham in action for Everton U18s vs Man City in the FA Youth Cup.
Credit: FA Cup
“Comes in onside to his right. He can see what he wants to do. The one thing is seeing what someone wants to do, but the other thing is trying to stop them. It’s fantastic getting his shot off.”
Graham scored from an almost identical situation in the previous round against Ipswich Town, but this effort against City was deflected over.
A lot of Everton fans want to see Graham handed his debut and this attacking threat is exactly what they want to see.
Graham offered more than just an attacking threat
Having watched Graham in U21s action just two weeks ago against Sunderland, it became apparent the youngster wanted to get on the ball and have an influence on the game.
It was a frustrating evening at Walton Hall Park for the 18-year-old, as he regularly had to drop deep into his own half just to get on the ball.
Against Man City, Graham started on the wing, which allowed him to showcase his creativity to a much greater effect.
Graham linked up well with left-back Louis Poland, who was regularly overlapping, with a neat nutmeg on the Man City right-back to send the Everton defender through on goal.
Braiden Graham in action for Everton U18s vs Man City in the FA Youth Cup.
Credit: FA Cup
This was not the only link-up with Poland, another overlapping run also saw Graham trick the City defence with a clever back heel.
Unlike his U21s appearance against Sunderland, Graham was able to show his ability to beat his man and avoided being dragged out of his position to get involved in the game.
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