David Moyes may not have been in attendance for Everton U18s’ FA Youth Cup clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but his assistant Leighton Baines was.
All eyes will have been on Braiden Graham who shone yet again for Keith Southern’s side as they booked their spot in the quarter-finals.
Having seen the 18-year-old excel in Everton’s academy, Moyes admitted he’s aware of Graham’s impressive form.
However, there are a number of concerns which the 62-year-old still holds about the young forward’s physicality.
Not enough talent has been produced from Everton’s youth set-up, which The Friedkin Group are looking to change.
Which player do you think could be next to shine in Everton’s first team? 🤩
There's some really exciting youngsters currently at Finch Farm 🔥
Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto/Matt McNulty.
A good indication of that was on display on Thursday evening at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Moyes had one of his men in the stands watching the young Blues.
Everton v Sunderland - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Leighton Baines spotted watching Everton youngsters as Braiden Graham shines
Baines has a history of working with the Everton academy, which makes him the perfect man to be the eyes and ears connecting Moyes with the youth set-up.
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Moyes has been so impressed with Baines since he was appointed as one of his coaching staff showing the trust the Everton boss has in the former defender.
Does David Moyes need to put more trust in Everton’s academy players? 😤
Surely some of these players can do better than Beto and Dwight McNeil! 😡
Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
The 41-year-old was spotted in the stands at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to watch Everton’s U18s secure a 4-2 victory after extra time.
Graham showed the prolific trait of a top striker on Thursday despite being kept fairly quiet for most of the game.
However, it was not just Graham that impressed for the U18s as Rocco Lambert also shone for Everton’s U18s at right-back.
Baines was certainly left with a lot to feedback to Moyes on the back of the FA Youth Cup action.
David Moyes has clear path for Everton youngsters in place
Despite the pressure from Everton fans, Moyes decided to send Harrison Armstrong out on loan for the season back in the summer.
Having returned over the winter window, Moyes has been so impressed with Armstrong’s development from his time at Preston North End.
The midfielder is now starring for the Blues in the Premier League on a regular basis having plied his trade elsewhere.
This may well be the next step for the likes of Graham before he could potentially have an effect on the first team.
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