Christian Norgaard training with Arsenal (left), David Moyes looks on (right)
Christian Norgaard training with Arsenal (left), David Moyes looks on (right)
There has been good news at Everton today, with Christian Norgaard returning to full training.
The midfielder signed for the club in the summer from Arsenal, but fans have not yet seen him play, as he arrived carrying an injury.
That was slightly frustrating. But thankfully, the Toffees have managed fairly well without him, taking nine points from the first five Premier League games.
Norgaard was spotted in full training at Finch Farm today, suggesting he will be available for selection against Hull City after the international break.
David Moyes will no doubt be glad to call on the Dane. However, the manager must ensure one thing doesn’t happen now that he’s available.
David Moyes mustn’t let Harrison Armstrong’s involvement drop for Everton
One of the high points of Everton’s season so far has been the development of Harrison Armstrong, who has started all five of the club’s Premier League games so far.
Arguably, he has been one of the Toffees’ best players, showcasing fantastic energy in the midfield. This is emphasised by the fact that he tops the list of all Premier League players for distance covered so far.
He has not yet recorded a goal involvement. But Armstrong’s industry has been most welcome after the summer departure of Idrissa Gana Gueye, and he will surely only improve the more he plays.
And that is something Moyes now needs to consider as Norgaard returns.
Everton fans know that Moyes loves an experienced head. We saw the Scot often overlook the younger players in the group last season, especially as Everton pushed for European football before the wheels came off at the end.
Armstrong was one player who suffered at the end of last season. He started against Manchester United on February 28, and then did not start another Premier League game for the rest of the campaign. He made four cameo appearances and was an unused substitute five times. And on two occasions – against Brentford and Liverpool in April – he didn’t even make the squad.
Armstrong – who Sean Dyche thinks can become a top player – has come on leaps and bounds as a player since then, though.
He has had Moyes’ trust in these first few weeks of the season – and it’s important that he keeps it moving forward.
The temptation to play Norgaard will be strong for Moyes, given his leadership and experience. He is also, obviously, a great footballer.
But it is paramount that Moyes doesn’t let Armstrong’s involvement drop too much just because Norgaard is now an option. Of course, there will be games – and moments in games – that suit Norgaard more.
But Everton fans have seen Armstrong shine early on and it’s important that Moyes allows him to soar, not clip his wings. He is a player with huge potential, and to let him slip back into the shadows now would be deeply frustrating.