David Moyes could use Wednesday’s EFL Cup fixture against Mansfield to try some experiments, and one academy star deserves his chance.
After Moyes’ side gained their first three points of the season against Brighton, there is a sense of the feel-good factor back at Everton.
From the game, it was seen that Everton were a more attacking threat with their new signings, and the Toffees boss seems to have worked on this aspect.
With the EFL Cup adventure starting this week, it’s a real chance for the Blues to win some silverware this season.
Considering this, it’s a chance for rotation, and one youngster deserves his chance on the main stage.
Briaden Graham in action for Everton U18s.
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
David Moyes should hand Braiden Graham his Everton debut against Mansfield in EFL Cup
With the Toffees facing a League One side, it will be a chance for Moyes to put the success of the academy to use, and the most promising talent in their ranks is Braiden Graham.
The 17-year-old has really impressed for the young Toffees as Graham has proven to be a ‘deadly’ finisher.
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It looks like the word around the club is that Graham is the most exciting player coming through, as the Northern Irish forward is due for his chance in the first team after 14 goals at youth level, as his portfolio of goal scoring is unmatched.
In no disrespect to Mansfield, it could be the level of opposition the youngster needs to settle into things.
Although it’s very early days and could be considered a risk, Everton just need to look at their fellow Premier League sides for inspiration.
Braiden Graham can continue current Premier League trend at Everton
The promise of the young attacker can be seen, but Moyes will know from his experience that he doesn’t want to rush exciting talent.
This didn’t stop him from handing a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney a Premier League debut, and although there is a stark contrast in potential between the two, the 17-year-old has shown the signs that he can succeed, and Everton fans think Graham is the next big thing.
FOUR goals for Braiden Graham last night! ✨👏
Watch highlights from our Under-21s' 5-4 away victory to Spurs. ⬇️🔵 pic.twitter.com/2NQWjeGZCq
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) April 15, 2025
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But the Toffees manager should look at his fellow competitors, as recently we’ve seen 15-year-old Max Dowman and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha burst onto the scene.
Graham is that player for the Toffees, and by giving the youngster his debut vs Mansfield, it just brings him slowly to the fore.
It’s a trend getting more popular, and the saying that ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough’ comes to mind, and Graham is very highly rated with his first-team debut surely in sight.