David Moyes could promote ‘deadly’ striker to Everton first-team to rival Beto and Thierno Barry

Everton have some really exciting youngsters coming through their academy at the moment.

Harrison Armstrong is really highly rated and is spending the season on loan at Preston North to continue his development.

Isaac Heath is also well thought of and has made a bright start to his loan spell with League Two outfit Accrington Stanley.

Justin Clarke is continuing to make a name for himself with the under-21s, despite the 16-year-old playing years above his age group.

There is another talented youngster emerging out of Finch Farm and he could actually help to solve Everton’s striker woes.

Thierno Barry and Beto haven’t really got going this season, and so the absence of a third striker to provide competition is evident.

The Toffees sold Youssef Chermiti to Rangers in the summer and didn’t replace him as they prioritised other areas of the squad.

So to combat that issue, David Moyes should seriously consider promoting Braiden Graham to the first team.

Report: Why Everton didn’t sign another striker in transfer window as Beto concerns emerge
Report: Why Everton didn’t sign another striker in transfer window as Beto concerns emerge

Graham, who joined from Linfield in 2024, has already netted 14 goals for the under-18s and 21s across 28 appearances.

Graham has been labelled as a ‘deadly’ striker and is regarded as the ‘best’ player in Everton’s academy.

90′ GOAL! Braiden Graham bags a brace with a lovely dinked finish after another excellent move from the Blues!

Graham’s former manager David Healy, speaking back in April 2024, said he’s destined to lead the line for Northern Ireland soon.

“I have no doubt that in four or five years’ time when I’m coming to watch Northern Ireland that, hopefully, Braiden is leading the line – that’s how highly I rate him.

“Our academy staff and people around need to take great credit for that with the way they’ve nurtured him.”

The 2007-born would, of course, need time to adapt to senior football, but perhaps Moyes could put him on the bench and start to ease him in.

Even if Graham was to only play a handful of minutes here and there, at least it’d force Beto and Barry to step up in training and on matchdays, knowing they could be dropped if they don’t deliver.