Alan Shearer gushes over Match of the Day footage of Hayden Hackney's Everton debut
Alan Shearer was in awe of Hayden Hackney's Premier League debut during Everton's win over Crystal Palace.
The 24-year-old central midfielder joined Everton from Middlesbrough earlier this summer.
It's a deal widely reported as being worth an initial £16.5million, with add-ons taking the full package to a maximum cost of £24m.
Having never played Premier League football before, Hackney's acquisition presented a significant transfer gamble by Everton.
But with Idrissa Gana Gueye leaving Merseyside this summer, David Moyes was in need of a new player to help run his midfield engine room.
And, Hackney's Premier League debut against Crystal Palace proved that the Toffees have struck a very sweet business deal with Middlesbrough.
What did Alan Shearer say about Hayden Hackney's Everton debut?
Making the step up from the Championship to the Premier League, it can take players time to adjust to this new set of demands.
In Hackney's case, that doesn't appear as though this is going to be an issue with the ex-England youth international.
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, Shearer was taken aback by just how easily Hackney settled into his do-it-all role for Everton against Palace.
"I was (impressed). (Harrison) Armstrong and (Hayden) Hackney. I thought they gave Everton a really good base," he said.
"They had to suffer at times, particularly in the first half, but because of their Premier League lack of experience there was no panic from them.
"I think that's what was the impressive thing...That's the part I think I love, in terms of getting back, winning the ball back, timing of tackles, putting pressure on the ball.
"Leading from the front, doing what you have to do. What the fans demand you to do. They love to see that. Not giving the opposition any time."
Shearer then picked out Hackney's role in Thierno Barry's goal, praising his quick-thinking from the deadball situation that eventually led to the finish.
"This is really bright from Hackney. Really, really clever. Quick play. It's the quick-thinking that gets them there (to score the goal) in the first place."
So, whilst Hackney clearly passed the eye test against Palace, just how good were his underlying numbers on Saturday?
How Hackney showed box-to-box ability vs Crystal Palace
Upon his signing, Middlesbrough fans were quick to inform Evertonians about just how special a player Hackney is.
Of course, many Toffees fans took that with a relative pinch of salt, given he's a product of Boro's academy and isn't proven at Premier League level.
Any lingering scepticism over the validity of those Boro fan testimonies have surely disappeared after Saturday, however.
As per FotMob, Hackney completed 38 of his 43 pass attempts successfully, created one chance and took 60 touches.
He also played six passes into the final third, won two tackles, made four recoveries and one interception.
On top of that, he win five ground duels and three fouls, whilst only giving away one foul in his 79 minutes on the pitch.
It's no surprise, then, to see Shearer waxing lyrical over his debut display, and for a player who's only sure to keep improving, he could be in for a superb 2026-27.