Harrison Armstrong early winner of Everton overhaul already after ‘class’ moment
Harrison Armstrong is already staking a claim to be a part of David Moyes’ first-team plans at Everton next season just seven games into his loan stint at Derby County.
The Everton sensation is enjoying life on loan at Derby, having started in each of their last four Championship games and won three of them.
It has only been days since Sam Parkin waxed lyrical about Armstrong for his performance in the Rams’ 2-0 victory over Coventry City on 11 March.
The 18-year-old is already grabbing headlines again after scoring his first senior goal in Derby’s dramatic 3-2 win against Plymouth Argyle this Saturday, 15 March.
Harrison Armstrong's first career goal was SPECIAL. ✨ pic.twitter.com/Ll6y3IItFU
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) March 15, 2025
Moyes cannot ignore Armstrong
There is no doubt that Armstrong is regarded highly at Everton after he featured six times across all competitions for them before heading out on loan this season.
However, the teenager may give Moyes no choice but to make him an active part of his first-team plans next term, considering how well he is playing for Derby.
| Minutes | Accurate Passes | Chances Created | Touches | Tackles Won | Clearances |
| 90 | 7/13 (54%) | 1 | 32 | 2/2 | 7 |
Rams manager John Eustace notably gushed over Armstrong after his goalscoring performance against Plymouth at the weekend, describing his finish as a “touch of class”.
He acknowledged that there is still a lot of room for improvement for the midfielder, but pointed out that his maturity at 18 years of age is commendable.
“Touch of class, H [Armstrong]”, Eustace said on Rams TV (15 March).
“For [someone who has] just turned 18 years old, the way he is maturing into a really good player is very pleasing.
“There’s still a lot of hard work ahead. I was a little bit worried about this game for him and Tommo [Liam Thompson], third game in a week.
“The effort they put in the last two games was phenomenal and the way they kept going today [Saturday; ed.] was really pleasing.
“So, I’m delighted for H, still a lot of work to go with the boy, but he’s doing well.”
Everton to save millions in midfield overhaul
Yes, Armstrong is still in his teens and has a lot to learn as a footballer.
However, there is no reason why he should not be considered for regular action in Moyes’ team if he is good enough already.
It is also worth noting that Everton may need to undergo a midfield overhaul this summer, with Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure running out of their contracts at the end of the season.
Orel Mangala will also return to Lyon when his loan deal runs out, while there are no guarantees that the Toffees will make Carlos Alcaraz’s move from Flamengo permanent.
That means the Merseyside-based club may be left with James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam as their only options in central midfield.
That is why Armstrong could save Everton millions by forcing his way into Moyes’ first-team plans next term.