Sean Dyche sent message by Braiden Graham as Everton U18s footage emerges. Credit: @EvertonAcademy via X
Sean Dyche sent message by Braiden Graham as Everton U18s footage emerges. Credit: @EvertonAcademy via X

Braiden Graham sends message to Sean Dyche as 'scintillating' Everton footage emerges

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on

Everton Under-18s talent Braiden Graham has proven his credentials to Sean Dyche once again after starring against Derby County on Sunday.

The 16-year-old centre-forward has been in brilliant form this season, netting his sixth and seventh goal of the campaign during a 3-2 win over the Rams on 3 November.

He already had goals against Stoke City, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, but his involvement was far more important on this occasion after the Toffees went 2-0 down before the half-time break.

Stepping up at the perfect moment, Graham rocketed home an effort from a free-kick before sweeping home the equaliser, with the youngster being lauded for his "scintillating" form [Official website].

Despite his young age, and only arriving at Finch Farm this summer, Dyche will not be able to keep his eyes off the striker, especially given the current scoring problems in the first team.

Braiden Graham wows as new Everton footage emerges

While Dominic Calvert-Lewin is unlikely to be taken out of the starting XI by the manager, the Toffees are once again struggling for goals.

The last striker to score over 20 goals in a single Premier League season for the Toffees was Romelu Lukaku during the 2016/17 season, who ended up netting 25 times.

Calvert-Lewin and Beto are certainly nowhere near that level, and though there looks to be little sign of any big-name transfers in January, Dyche may already have a replacement under his nose.

Of course, bringing Graham through from the Under-18s to the senior team in one swift movement would be a huge risk, but given how close the club are to the relegation zone, it could be worth taking.

The likes of Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti remain on the treatment table for now, leaving a spot open for the youngster to prove himself in front of the Goodison Park faithful.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

www.goodisonnews.com