Michael Kenrick 04/07/2024 12comments  |  Jump to last

Young midfielder Harrison Armstrong has been rewarded with a 3-year professional contract after making good progress in the Everton Academy last season. 

Armstrong, 17 in January, is a local lad who has been with the Academy since the age of 5 and he made the breakthrough into the U18 side under Leighton Baines during the 2022-23 season, coming on as a late sub at Derby in January 2023.

He would make 7 appearances in the U18 Premier League that season, making the step up to the U21s under Paul Tait in January 2024 with 9 appearances in Premier League 2, becoming a regular at that level. 

On his playing style and versatility, the teenager explained: “My main position is central midfield, but sometimes I do play on the wing, too. I like to play box-to-box and get forward to join attacks.

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“I’ve always tried to model my game on someone like Luka Modric due to his technical ability. But more recently I’ve tried to learn from watching Jude Bellingham, I enjoy what he’s able to do at such a young age. He’s such a leader.”

Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell said of the deal for the midfielder: “This contract is just reward for Harrison’s hard work and progress at Everton. He’s been a part of this club for 13 years and has developed through the age groups.

“We look forward to seeing him continue his journey under the guidance of our excellent Academy staff at Finch Farm.”

 

Reader Comments (12)

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Annika Herbert
1 Posted 04/07/2024 at 08:40:51
Best of luck, young man. It's a tough old journey you are undertaking but the rewards are massive if you go all the way.
Dave Abrahams
2 Posted 04/07/2024 at 09:09:51
It was good to see him getting games for the U21s at 17. Let's hope he continues to get games in that age group while leading the U18s in a good attack on the FA Youth Cup.

Best of luck, Harrison.

Ryan Holroyd
3 Posted 04/07/2024 at 10:45:08
He'll never make it. (ToffeeWeb experts)
Michael Kenrick
4 Posted 04/07/2024 at 11:21:35
Dave, didn't he go by some weird Germanic name when he first appeared on the scene?

I know you've got a good memory and I can't seem to find it.

Dave Abrahams
5 Posted 04/07/2024 at 12:17:00
Michael (6),

No I have no recollection of that Michael but he does speak very fluent Scouse! Maybe some one else might remember him under a different name and you know Scousers get everywhere so it's possible.

Alan J Thompson
7 Posted 04/07/2024 at 14:51:36
I hope he goes on to a full professional career but seriously, he's been at Everton since he was 5!

Do you just keep turning up with your boots or does somebody really scout these kids?

John Chambers
8 Posted 04/07/2024 at 16:19:29
Bit harsh, Alan, the kid is only 17.
Mike Gaynes
9 Posted 04/07/2024 at 19:00:26
His Academy work has not included learning how to shave. No need yet.

Seriously, congratulations, kid. Be great.

Brent Stephens
10 Posted 04/07/2024 at 19:18:15
Not sure about this one. It’s taken him almost 12 years to break into the U21s.
Dave Abrahams
11 Posted 04/07/2024 at 19:42:22
Mike (16), It’s hard to believe some of these rumours, the one about him being virtually signed and on a three year contract——I’d like that one to be confirmed especially as there is no fee, we can only hope.
Ben King
12 Posted 04/07/2024 at 20:41:07
Good luck, lad.

Hope you make it, son

Alan J Thompson
13 Posted 05/07/2024 at 02:29:09
John #8;

It's not the kid that I'm doubting, it's the system of apparently recruiting 5 year olds.

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