Everton have produced plenty of superstars from their academy in recent years, but one of the most talented is certainly Ross Barkley. The Merseysider made 179 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 27 goals and grabbing 25 assists in that time.
The Liverpool-born star had some standout seasons in that famous Blue shirt before his move to Chelsea in 2018. However, perhaps the most iconic was the 2015/16 campaign, where he scored and assisted 23 goals in 48 games.
ross-barkley-everton
Replacing the academy graduate has been tough for the Toffees, but perhaps they have the next version of Barkley brewing, someone who could challenge Carlos Alcaraz in that number ten berth.
When Everton could sign Alcaraz permanently
One of Everton’s key January signings over the winter was attacking midfielder Alcaraz. After getting a taste of the Premier League a few seasons back with Southampton, he joined the Toffees on loan until the end of the season.
Everton midfielder Charly Alcaraz
One of the curious things about this deal was the buy clause that was included. Whilst it is undisputable that Everton can make the move permanent, there was initial confusion over whether it was merely an option or obligation to buy the Flamengo man.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano did reveal earlier this week, however, that the January arrival will sign permanently once he plays five more games for the Toffees, with the fee set at €18m (£15m).
Charly Alcaraz celebrates for Everton-1
His start to life at Goodison Park has been strong. He has played seven games so far, scoring and assisting one apiece. Both of those goal involvements came away from home against Crystal Palace, in a 2-1 victory.
Alcaraz has certainly made a good impression so far in that famous Blue shirt, although the club may have someone else waiting in the academy who could be this generation’s Barkley.
Everton’s next Ross Barkley
Just as Barkley came through the Toffees academy under Moyes, the Scot might well be able to repeat the masterclass by bringing young midfielder Harrison Armstrong into the first team.
Harrison Armstrong
The 18-year-old has already played six games at the senior level for the club, all of which came this season, but perhaps Moyes can look to really help him become an established member of the side.
Just like Barkley, the midfielder was born in Liverpool and is a graduate of the Everton academy. He is currently out on loan at Derby County, where he has actually played as a defensive midfielder, despite even playing as a striker for the Toffees' first team.
The England under-18 international has played seven times for the Rams since his January loan move, scoring one goal against Plymouth Argyle, which was a stunning volley from outside of the box.
He wrapped his foot around the ball and bent his shot into the bottom right corner.
Statistically, the Everton loanee has impressed for Derby. Although he is only a short way into his career at Pride Park, the 18-year-old already has standout metrics. Jake Barker, a Derby supporter, podcast host and pundit, described him as a "special" player.
Armstrong has shown just how good he can be creatively. As per Sofascore, he averages 0.7 key passes per game. He has also been excellent off the ball. For example, he averages 2.1 interceptions per 90 minutes.
Armstrong key stats for Derby
Stat
Key passes
Long balls completed
Tackles
Interceptions
Aerial duels won
Stats from Sofascore
Everton fans can certainly get excited about Armstrong. Although the 18-year-old has been playing deeper than he has for the Toffees, he has shown excellent adaptability and could certainly perform well in a more advanced role, too.
Regardless of the impact that Alcaraz may make this season and beyond, the Toffees could well consider the teenage midfielder to be their new version of Barkley; the similarities and quality are there for all to see.
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