Former Linfield striker Braiden Graham has been nominated for the 2025/26 Premier League 2 Player of the Season award after a stunning campaign at Everton.
Graham has been named on an eight-player shortlist, which also includes recent Northern Ireland senior call-up Kieran Morrison of Liverpool, for the prestigious prize which recognises the top academy talents in England.
Aged 18, Graham is the youngest player nominated – he has scored 12 goals and provided two assists for the Toffees’ U21s this term with calls growing for the ex-Blues star to be handed a Premier League debut by David Moyes.
When asked about Graham in January, Moyes said: "Braiden is doing well. We need him to build up his physicality and speed, all those things that come from stepping up to the Premier League."
Northern Ireland youth international Braiden Graham. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)placeholder image
Northern Ireland youth international Braiden Graham. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
The Northern Ireland youth international was an unused substitute in Everton’s top-flight fixture against Nottingham Forest in December and was included in the senior squad for their FA Cup defeat to Sunderland.
Graham scored four times in an 8-4 victory over Ipswich Town last month and also struck twice against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this year.
Both Graham and Morrison, who has netted 14 goals for Liverpool’s U21s this term, will be hoping to add their name to a list of previous winners which includes Curtis Jones, Liam Delap and James McAtee.
The Premier League 2 Player of the Season award winner will be announced at the Premier League Youth Development Conference on May 12.
“It's been a remarkable first campaign for Northern Ireland youth international Graham, who has built on an impressive year with Everton's U18s after being promoted up the academy ranks,” stated the Premier League on Graham’s nomination. “Graham has weighed in with 12 goals and two assists, while his fine form saw the 18-year-old named on the bench for the Toffees' Premier League win at Nottingham Forest in December.”
Morrison has already registered his senior Liverpool debut, playing in the FA Cup, and was called up by Michael O’Neill for March’s World Cup play-off semi-final trip to Italy – the 19-year-old wasn’t included in the matchday squad – and friendly against Wales.
"Attacking midfielder Morrison has enjoyed a superb campaign, scoring 14 times and adding two assists,” said the Premier League. “The 19-year-old won January's PL2 Player of the Month award, having made his full debut for Liverpool's senior team in an EFL Cup home tie with Crystal Palace in October 2025. He was called up to the Northern Ireland senior team for the first time in March 2026.”
Graham played 10 times in the Premiership for Linfield before sealing his move across the water with manager David Healy predicting he could represent Northern Ireland one day.
His form this season has also earned praise from Everton U21 chief Paul Tait, who said: “He’s added consistency this season - he’s scored throughout but he’s red hot at the moment in terms of his goals.
"His all-around play has been good - there are still areas we are working on every day to get him better, but he has got the attitude and the desire to get better, so that puts him in a good place.”