Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong has been provided Wayne Rooney as an example by David Moyes over his development.
Moyes has welcomed back Armstrong to the club following his loan spell with Preston North End earlier this season.
However, the 19-year-old midfielder has had to play in a number of different roles for Everton since he made his return.
How would you rate Harrison Armstrong’s season at Everton? 🫣
Harrison Armstrong of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Izzy Poles – AMA
Although Armstrong may be a natural central midfielder, Moyes has explained how Rooney’s development should offer players a clear plan for their time on Merseyside.
Fulham v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Harrison Armstrong’s Everton development moulded around Wayne Rooney plan
Moyes has been really impressed by Armstrong and how quickly the youngster has been able to learn under his tenure.
Armstrong has played three of his 11 Everton appearances this season either on the right or left wing.
Do you go with a two or even David Moyes’ new three-man midfield? 🤩
Do not forget Tim Iroegbunam!
Everton midfielders Harrison Armstrong, James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Regan/Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Speaking to Everton TV, Moyes told Leon Osman how Rooney also had to play out of position at first just to get his name on the team sheet.
“Wayne could play in so many different roles. You could drop Wayne in, you could play him, but you know as well as me, when Wayne first came in, he was a raw boy who was going to take the world on (and did),” said Moyes.
“I was getting lots of criticism right at the start because we put him a bit off the left. I say this about young players: sometimes to develop, even yourself, when you get in the team, you don’t get in your best position.
“It was a bit like Jake O’Brien at the moment, who is a centre-half having to earn his case at right-back. I think you have to do that quite often when you’re a younger player to get into the team.”
Armstrong must get minutes where he can at Everton
Armstrong says playing out wide is tough, but the young midfielder is accepting the challenge as he wants to prove himself to Moyes.
This season was never going to define Armstrong’s Everton career given he was pulled out of his loan stint at Deepdale.
The 19-year-old will now be looking to pick up minutes where he can under Moyes as the squad returns to almost full strength.
A big challenge lies ahead for Armstrong if he is to force his way back into the starting XI.
Matchday Opponent Result Pos G A Min
1 Leeds United 1:0 W – – – Bench
2 Brighton 2:0 W CM 0 0 1′
3 Wolves 2:3 L – – – Bench
20 Brentford 2:4 L – 0 0 13′
21 Wolves 1:1 D CM 0 0 87′
22 Aston Villa 0:1 L AM 0 0 90′
23 Leeds United 1:1 D AM 0 0 45′
24 Brighton 1:1 D RM 0 0 80′
25 Fulham 1:2 W LW 0 0 69′
26 Bournemouth 1:2 L CM 0 0 14′
27 Man United 0:1 L LM 0 0 1′
28 Newcastle 2:3 L – 0 0 10′
29 Burnley 2:0 W CM 0 0 89′
TOTAL 0 0 499′
Armstrong has not started any of the last four games for Everton, and, in fact, has only featured for 13 minutes across two of those games.
An important summer is ahead of the 19-year-old, but Moyes has made it clear that he must be willing to accept his opportunities wherever they may come from.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox