Former Linfield youngster Braiden Graham was named on the bench for Everton’s dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester United on Sunday – after David Moyes stated his belief the striker is “certainly moving in the right direction”.
Graham has shone for the Toffees’ U21s since joining from the Blues in 2024, scoring 16 goals in 20 Premier League 2 appearances last term.
He was the youngest player nominated for the Premier League 2 ‘Player of the Season’ award – countryman Kieran Morrison was also named for his form at Liverpool.
The 18-year-old, who was called up to Northern Ireland’s senior squad for June friendlies against Guinea and France, could be in line for a role at Goodison Park this season due to Everton’s lack of attacking options.
Braiden Graham was named on Everton's bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)placeholder image
Braiden Graham was named on Everton's bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Thierno Barry is the only recognised striker in Moyes’ squad after Beto joined Fiorentina during the summer’s transfer window while they also lost the threat of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City.
Graham was included in a Premier League matchday squad for the first time this season on Sunday, sitting on the bench throughout their draw with English giants United – Everton rescued a late point thanks to Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ debut strike in injury time.
He was linked with a summer loan move to build up senior experience but ultimately remained at Everton.
Graham was involved with Everton’s squad throughout pre-season, featuring in friendlies against Dundee, Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City, and sat on the bench against Hamburg, Stuttgart, Newcastle United and Lille.
Despite Graham’s prolific goalscoring form, Moyes has dismissed the possibility of the teenager playing as a centre-forward for Everton – but is excited by his potential.
"I don’t think he’s a striker, first of all,” said Moyes in his pre-match press conference ahead of the United clash. “He’s probably someone who would play off the sides for us.
"I like Braiden, he’s trained with us quite a lot and he was in pre-season with us.
"He’s certainly moving in the right direction. It would be a difficult ask for any young player to come in and be a source for goals.
"We’ve got some academy players who will obviously get involved.
"Are they ready to make the step up? I’m not sure about that. We will see how that goes. Some of them might be pushed in."
Graham became Linfield’s youngest-ever player after coming off the bench in a Premiership fixture against Dungannon Swifts aged 15 years and 137 days in March 2023.
He played 10 times in the league for David Healy’s side – and also featured in cup competitions – before earning his move to Everton.