Hayden Hackney left Middlesbrough to join Everton this summer
Everton's Hayden Hackney under pressure from Arsenal's Declan Rice
Everton's Hayden Hackney under pressure from Arsenal's Declan Rice (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Hayden Hackney is hoping David Moyes can help him become a Premier League star, after success with previous players stepping up from the Championship.
Hackney left Middlesbrough this summer to pursue his Premier League dream. A number of clubs were interested, but he opted for Everton, saying at the time that Moyes was a big factor in the decision.
The Everton boss has had previous success with helping players making the jump to the top flight, notably Tim Cahill, John Stones and Joleon Lescott, as well as Jarrod Bowen at West Ham.
With competition for places tough, Hackney is having to be patient for his opportunities to come at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. He’s started only one Premier League game so far.
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But speaking ahead of the defeat to Arsenal, the Teessider told the Everton club website: “We spoke about that a lot [Moyes’ record]. It makes sense.
“He’s done that in previous years, and the players have gone on to become Premier League proven players. That’s something I want to do.
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“I want to prove myself in the Premier League and become an established Premier League player, and then, who knows what can happen.”
After the 2-0 defeat to Everton - in which Hackney came on for the final 17 minutes - the clamour to see more of the ex-Boro man is growing.
A number of Everton fans were on social media making clear their desire to see Hackney start a lot more games.
For now, the 24-year-old remains understanding of his situation and the need to integrate and earn the trust of his manager.
As he told Teesside Live during his return to the Riverside for the Legacy Game, he’s enjoying his time at Everton so far, and in the club interview, described how it’s similar to what he knows from Boro.
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“I think it was the perfect fit,” he said. “There are a lot of similarities with Middlesbrough. It’s a working-class place. The fans are similar and it’s a massive club.
“I think there’s a new generation of young players, a new stadium. It’s exciting times and I want to be a part of it.
“I think the Sunderland games will be good for me to play in. That’s one of the games I’ll be looking forward to.
“Liverpool in the derby, too. Watching those games on the TV and seeing the atmosphere, I think that’ll be a game I look forward to, as well.
“I think I’ve watched every one of them, to be fair. It’s just an unreal game that I hope I can be a part of.”
Will Lankshear left Tottenham Hotspur this summer for Middlesbrough and has been a revelation in the Championship with goals galore
Will Lankshear left Tottenham Hotspur this summer for Middlesbrough and has been a revelation in the Championship with goals galore
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