Braiden Graham scored four goals as Everton U21s beat Ipswich Town 8-4 at Goodison Park, with Paul Tait’s tactical switch proving decisive.
The Everton coach moved the forward into a central No.9 role, a decision that directly shaped the outcome of the 12-goal thriller.
Tait admitted Graham had been ‘a little bit off it’ and ‘leggy’ before the game, but the positional change was designed to reset his influence.
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Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
It worked immediately, with Graham delivering his most complete performance of the season.
Bradford City v Everton U21 - Vertu Trophy
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Paul Tait explains Braiden Graham tactical switch at Everton
Graham scored four goals inside 67 minutes against Ipswich on Friday evening in a statement performance from the 18-year-old.
Tait’s explanation was clear. He wanted Graham closer to goal but still able to influence play between the lines. The role allowed him to drop into pockets, receive on the turn, and attack space behind the defence.
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“[Braiden] has been a little bit off it and been a bit leggy, but I thought that putting him as a ‘nine’ would revive him a bit. He could drop into the little spaces and get turns, and he can run in behind,” Tait told the Everton website.
“If you’ve got a front player who can come and link it to feet and go in behind, then you’ve got a good front player and that’s what he showed tonight.”
The impact was immediate. Graham scored four times and added an assist as he showed David Moyes exactly what he has to offer.
What it means for Graham’s development
The performance was not an outlier. Graham has scored 21 goals in 31 matches across all competitions this season, including 12 in Premier League 2.
That output highlights a forward already developing consistent end product, but Tait’s adjustment showed how a tactical switch can elevate that output further.
Tait previously admitted Graham would struggle as a striker in men’s football, but his performance on Friday evening may suggest otherwise.
Questions over the youngster’s physicality may still be an issue, but he has quashed a number of other concerns.
The key takeaway is not just the four goals. It is the versatility Graham is showing. A forward who can link play and threaten in behind fits the demands of Moyes in the senior side.
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