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'Outstanding': EFL manager admits he's so lucky Everton have let him have their player on loan

Everton fans have high hopes for Harrison Armstrong – and it seems the youngster is getting on very well on loan at Derby County.

Harrison Armstrong made his debut for Everton at the start of the season against Tottenham Hotspur.

He went on to make a handful of appearances, before it was then decided in January that he would be loaned out to Derby.

David Moyes told Armstrong to enjoy himself at Derby – and the gem appears to be doing just that.

Armstrong impressed Derby fans on his debut against Norwich City, and the youngster has managed to build on that first showing.

Derby fans praised Armstrong again recently on his full debut against Middlesbrough, and at the weekend, the Everton starlet continued his good start.

Everton starlet Harrison Armstrong branded ‘outstanding’ by Derby boss John Eustace

Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

On Saturday, Armstrong started for Derby, making his fifth appearance so far.

Derby are scrapping for their Championship lives at the moment, and the club are hoping the arrival of John Eustace can help get them safe.

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Derby picked up a big win against promotion hopefuls Blackburn Rovers at the weekend – and Armstrong once again played well.

And he came in for very high praise from Eustace after the game.

Harrison Armstrong turned in a Player of the Match performance for Derby County on Saturday in their vital win over Blackburn Rovers. 🔵

See how Harrison and our other players out on loan fared at the weekend. 🔽

— Everton (@Everton) March 11, 2025

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He said (via dcfc.co.uk): “Harrison was outstanding for his second start in the Championship at age 18. I thought it was a real mature performance against two very good midfielders against him in there and a good number 10.

“I was very proud of his effort. We spoke in the week on a few things that we need to improve on with him. He’s certainly taken that on board and we’re very fortunate we have him here.”

Derby fans again raved over Armstrong with his superb showing against Blackburn, indicating that this really has been a top start for the youngster at Pride Park.

Moyes will be delighted over latest Armstrong verdict

It is fantastic to see Armstrong having settled in so quickly at Derby.

It’s never easy for young players to go to the Championship, especially midway through the season.

It’s Armstrong’s first loan spell and taste of senior football, but it sounds like he has made a seamless transition.

Eustace’s comment about Armstrong showing real maturity with his performance against Blackburn bodes extremely well and will be something that encourages Everton officials.

There will be a lot of changes to the Everton squad this summer ahead of 2025/26 and if Armstrong keeps this up, he can surely expect to be a part of it

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