Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas on how Harrison Armstrong has grown in stature during a busy pre-season for the teenager
Harrison Armstrong looks on during the during the pre-season friendly match between VfB Stuttgart and Everton at MHP Arena. Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Harrison Armstrong. Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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It was a lazy flick, but a telling one.
Just before half-time, with his side trailing 2-0, Joelinton flashed out a leg and swept Harrison Armstrong from his feet. In a performance that contained game-changing highlights for the Blues starlet - including his involvement in all three goals - this was a low-key one.
But it felt poignant given the context.
For several years, Newcastle United have boasted one of the best central midfields in the Premier League, perhaps even Europe. When fit, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton have been central to some big results for the Magpies, and as individuals have had joy against Everton.
They have not had it all their own way - Everton have won on their last two visits to St James’ Park. But Joelinton did not start either of those games - while he was pivotal in each of the recent 4-1 humblings at home, including at Hill Dickinson last season.
Yet there he was, chasing Armstrong’s shadow. He was not the first to lose that battle this summer. The 19-year-old has been heavily relied upon by David Moyes, starting five of the six pre-season friendlies so far.
The midfielder has been a solid performer throughout that run, seeking the ball, looking to drive forward when possible but also showing a willingness to do the dirty work. He has grown in stature on the pitch, while off it his friendships with Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling have been a factor in both wingers' revived confidence at the club.
None of this should come as a surprise - Armstrong has adapted to meet every challenge he has faced in his short career.
Two excellent loan spells in the Championship with Derby County and Preston North End were the backdrop to his first real exposure in the Premier League when he was recalled from Deepdale in January.
After an initial flurry of appearances, the best being from the left side of Moyes’ central midfield three in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa, when he showcased his intelligence to allow Jack Grealish to work his magic, his opportunities reduced - a source of frustration among supporters and no doubt the ambitious starlet.
Against that backdrop, the signing of another midfielder in Hayden Hackney has only made a busy area of the squad even more congested. Christian Norgaard has since followed, though Tim Iroegbunam’s future is the subject of uncertainty as Hull City pursue a move for the 23-year-old.
An injury to James Garner and the gentle rehabilitation of Hackney after the end of his season was disrupted by injury have given Armstrong a platform to grow and he could not have done more to make his case for involvement in the Everton first team this season.
Whether that will follow remains unclear - once Garner is fit and Norgaard up to speed, there will be a lot of competition and those around the youngster know his development requires gametime, even if that has to be on loan.
But in Edinburgh on Wednesday night Armstrong, who recently moved to the agency Unique Sports Group, provided a glimpse over why his future - and his pathway - need to be taken seriously by the club.
And while his talent may have been obvious in his clever pass to Thierno Barry for the opening goal or his link up with Tyrique George for the excellent third, the fact he looks ready for the Premier League was hammered home by the ease with which he rendered Joelinton helpless in an otherwise quiet moment just before the break.