Harrison Armstrong is looking to make the most of his chances and wants to leave a major impression playing for Everton during this pre-season.
The 18-year-old midfielder was one of the brightest spots in the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium to kick off the 2025/26 pre-season. Armstrong played 77 minutes and operated as an attacking midfielder in the first half while sitting a little deeper after half-time.
It was his first appearance for the Toffees following an encouraging six-month loan spell at Derby County earlier this year. He made 15 appearances for the Rams and became instrumental in the middle of the park. Armstrong also played a decisive role in helping them avoid relegation in the Championship.
"I think with the loan I've grown as a player, so I'm just trying to show different sides to my game and hopefully I can impress,” the youngster told evertontv after the friendly with Accrington Stanley.
“I'm taking the approach of what's best to happen will happen. I'm just seeing how it goes really and taking each day as it comes."
Speaking about the Blues’ first match back after the holidays, he said, "We know the results will get better as we get more game time – the main theme today was fitness and getting back on the grass. I thought the first half we showed a little bit of where we want to be at but the second half wasn't good enough, so we know we've got to improve.
"I always like to be involved. I think that's part of my game, being busy. Obviously, as time goes on, playing more with players like Tim [Iroegbunam] and Jimmy [Garner], I'll get used to what they like to do more and maybe I can get in more dangerous positions. I think I've done well, but there's plenty to improve on.”
The 2025/26 season could be a pivotal moment for the 18-year-old, who has been regularly involved with the first-team dynamics. He also looks a more polished player following his loan spell in the Championship and with the glaring holes in Everton's squad following a mass exodus this summer, the upcoming fwe weeks might be the greatest opportunity for Armstrong to impress David Moyes and find his place in the first-team squad on a regular basis.
Reader Comments (16)
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2 Posted 17/07/2025 at 15:57:35
Moyes doesn't like or trust youngsters. It's the old reason: you don't have to tell an established professional what to do, so makes the manager's job easier.
3 Posted 17/07/2025 at 16:05:28
That old chestnut.
4 Posted 17/07/2025 at 16:08:21
5 Posted 17/07/2025 at 16:14:25
Some fans think he has young Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi sat in the U21s.
6 Posted 17/07/2025 at 16:19:14
He could do alot worse than a full season back at Derby where they seemed to love him; possibly the best option if we bring in Douglas Luiz or similar.
7 Posted 17/07/2025 at 16:46:25
If we had those three in our U-21s, then they'd have been sold down the East Lancs Rd by now.
Oh for the days when they debuted at the San Siro.
8 Posted 18/07/2025 at 15:56:16
I think he has earned his chance to be part of the squad this season.
9 Posted 18/07/2025 at 21:53:51
We then have Iroegbunam in support - and he looks likely to be preferred to Armstrong if one of the more defensive players is unavailable.
Given the nature of rumours (and our lack of numbers) it seems likely that we'll be signing another central midfield player who is more obviously read to play straight away - everyone from Soucek, McAtee, Gallagher, O'Riley, Rohl, Atangana, Rigg and Hackney (and others).
That player could even relegate one of Alcaraz, Gueye and Garner to the bench.
I'm not sure therefore how Armstrong gets the run of games he needs to develop? Whereas in the Championship or Eredivisie or France etc, he could get 35 games.
10 Posted 18/07/2025 at 22:02:35
Anyone from Gana, Garner with Ibroegunam and Armstrong as backup for the two.
Ndiaye, Alcaraz and McNeil or new right sided midfielder as the 3 in front of them.
Alcaraz is best played as a number 10 in front of the likes of Gana and Garner, not alongside them.
11 Posted 20/07/2025 at 20:08:16
If we had an 18-year-old who was going to be one third of the best midfield ever and who would play for the club for another 10 years, then I think he might get a game.
12 Posted 21/07/2025 at 06:27:59
His name wouldn't be Wayne, would it?
No, not John, but we'd still need to sign the other two which has not been our record for some time now, arguably since then.
Oh, and was he 18 or 16?
13 Posted 21/07/2025 at 06:44:13
14 Posted 21/07/2025 at 06:48:28
15 Posted 21/07/2025 at 06:54:05
I've not heard anyone suggest what you say in that post.
I think Moyes will select young players if he thinks they are good enough.
A couple have impressed in glimpses in the two pre-seasons so far, with Armstrong being the stand out. He should stay as part of our first team squad next season. That gives us Garner, Gana, Iroegbunam and Armstrong for the season.
Not Alcaraz, Robert!!! Again, he doesn't play in that position the way the team is likely to be set up. Unless Moyes tries something revolutionary, but even then, Alcaraz won't play in the deeper roles.
16 Posted 21/07/2025 at 07:03:04
And then we got an Academy to replace "The School".
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1 Posted 17/07/2025 at 15:47:21
Was one of our best players on the night and deserves a run of games to see if he can establish himself.
I would much sooner see our young guns given a chance than spend £10M-£20M on players in the declining years of their careers.