David Moyes given food for thought as Omari Benjamin footage emerges at Everton

David Moyes will surely be keeping an eye on Omari Benjamin's progress at Everton.

The 20-year-old has been with the Blues' academy since July 2024 when he departed Arsenal's ranks.

Benjamin has featured 51 times for the Under-21 side, with 14 goals and seven assists.

His latest strike came in the National League Cup clash with Boreham Wood on Wednesday.

David Hughes' side drew 1-1 with the National League leaders before winning 4-2 on penalties.

Benjamin's exploits must give the senior manager food for thought, given the striker situation within the first team at the moment.

Why Omari Benjamin can exploit Everton striker situation

Thierno Barry is the only recognised striker in the first-team squad, after the failure to sign Folarin Balogun.

Tyrique George, Brennan Johnson and Carlos Alcaraz are alternative options, but none are experienced in the position.

That could leave a space for Benjamin - and if Moyes has seen footage from Wednesday's clash, he may call him up to the seniors.

Everton's academy shared it on their X account, with the Welsh striker finishing off a lovely team goal with a composed finish.

With the lack of options for the Toffees right now, the 2005-born ace may be handed an opportunity sooner than he expected given his latest showing.

What has been said about Benjamin at Everton?

Former Under-21s boss Paul Tait previously waxed lyrically about Benjamin after he scored twice in 2-0 win against Liverpool's youth side in October 2024.

He said: “He will grab the headlines, the two goals are really good for him. Playing as a nine through the middle for us, his work rate again was outstanding and he got his rewards."

While Tait is now with the Blues anymore after the Friedkins' summer revamp of the academy brought Hughes through the door instead, others within the system will be aware of his quality.

The work rate that Benjamin's former boss spoke about will put him in good stead with Moyes, if he can make the jump to the senior side in the near future.

Evertonians, like their manager, love a player who is willing to leave everything on the pitch, so if he plays how he usually does, he will likely win them over very quickly.

Moyes won't throw him into the deep end, as he does not trust youngsters straight away, but he may find himself on the substitutes' bench shortly if he continues on his current trajectory this season.