Harrison Armstrong tipped for surprise role change at Everton as ‘football brain’ picked apart
David Moyes made a big decision to keep Harrison Armstrong at Everton beyond the winter transfer window.
After the Toffees recalled the youngster from his loan at Preston North End, it looked like he was going to return in the dying stages of the window.
Moyes admitted that he wanted to send the 19-year-old back to Deepdale, where he was impressing under Paul Heckingbottom, but nothing transpired in the end.
The only reason for this seems to be the fact that Everton rate the defensive midfielder so highly, as he’s so far managed several league outings for the Blues.
But with the run-in for the Premier League season nearing, Armstrong will be looking for as much game time as possible at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Alan Stubbs tips Harrison Armstrong to become an eight at Everton
Armstrong is yet to guarantee himself as a starter under Moyes, and played his most football through January with Idrissa Gana Gueye absent.
The teenager has shown big signs of impressing, especially considering the jump he’s had to make so quickly from playing in the second division of England not long ago.
- Armstrong has played eight Premier League matches this season
- He featured in 17 games for Preston
- Armstrong averages a 6.73 Sofascore rating
Ex-Everton captain Alan Stubbs has been impressed by Armstrong’s performances since coming back to Merseyside, and even sees him having a more attacking influence for the Toffees with time.
Stubbs said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo on Thursday: “He’s one of those who is going to cut inside and play little balls into strikers and into the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in pockets of space as he’s got a football brain. I see him as a six or an eight eventually.
“I think he’s got a really, really bright future. I do think he’s one of the most promising teenage footballers in the country right now.”
Armstrong has already shown signs of chance creation and playmaking ability, and through confidence and development could become a key outlet in the final third.
Will Everton keep or loan Armstrong out again next season?
Everton’s decision to keep Armstrong at Hill Dickinson Stadium this winter will have surely been followed by talks of what to do with the midfielder at the end of the season.
This would most likely have included the possibility of loaning him back out to the Championship or another side.
However, there will also be a chance that, should he keep impressing for the rest of the campaign, he’s kept on for the full season next term.
| Matches (starts) | 8 (5) |
| Duels won per 90 | 6.54 |
| Fouls won per 90 | 3.05 |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.18 |
It may not seem like it, but every game is crucial for Armstrong at this stage of his career, as his progression can be fast-tracked in the Premier League. Everything may just depend on who the Toffees sign in the summer.
It’s an exciting time for the Toffees, and Moyes is under no illusion that his teenage sensation needs to have the best possible chance of reaching his full potential.
For more in-depth stories on the Toffees, visit Football Insider and have a look at their coverage.