James Tarkowski has admitted playing alongside men at an early age really benefited him, as Everton deliberate over the next step for Braiden Graham.
Everton have a really exciting talent on their hands in Graham, but the Toffees now need to make a smart decision over the next step in his career.
U21s manager Paul Tait admitted Graham is not ready to play as a striker for the Blues just yet.
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.
Although the 18-year-old could potentially play out on the wing, Tarkowski has shared the benefit of playing regularly against other men.
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James Tarkowski shares Everton advice for Braiden Graham
Graham was called-up to senior Everton training during the international break, which saw him play up against Tarkowski.
However, there is still a clear gap between the physicality possessed by the 18-year-old and the first-team players.
Where do you stand on Braiden Graham… would you give him his debut? 🎯
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“I started playing men’s football, and it coincided with my growth spurt,” Tarkowski told Everton’s YouTube channel.
“I always had the technical ability with the ball—being able to move it, pass, and dribble—but then I had to learn that physical side as I was growing. Being able to deal with and play against men was really beneficial for my game.”
Moyes has shared his concerns over Graham’s physicality, with the 62-year-old unconvinced by the Northern Irishman’s ability to compete just yet.
It is certainly a valid concern, but it is unlikely Graham will take a big step forward while playing with the U21s.
Harrison Armstrong developed incredibly well out on loan, with Tarkowski’s advice potentially something the club should listen to.
Tyler Dibling could also benefit from Everton loan
Moyes is hoping Dibling can impress him in pre-season after what has been a torrid 2025/26 campaign for the youngster.
Since making the move from Southampton, Dibling has taken a major step backwards while on Merseyside.
There are a number of concerns over the winger, who has failed to make any impact on the starting XI.
Dibling did impress in Everton’s open training session earlier in the week, but his moment of brilliance came up against dummy defenders.
Perhaps a loan departure for the youngster could also prove beneficial next season.
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