Everton
Everton’s promising young talent, Braiden Graham, has been making waves with his performances, earning a spot in David Moyes’ senior squad for the first time during the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. The 18-year-old forward has impressed with his goal-scoring prowess and work ethic, making a compelling case for his future involvement in Everton’s first team.
Paul Tait said: “His goals, that’s what gets him noticed. Everybody in the academy has been impressed with his mentality. The way he trains, he’s first on the pitch and last off. He’s desperate to do individual stuff and get better. He’s desperate to improve his weaknesses, is humble and works hard. He’s a good character. Not just the talent that you see on the pitch but characteristics we try to instil in the boys in terms of humility and seeing the goodness in teamwork and Braiden has embraced that since he came over from Ireland.”
David Healy said: “He’s goals, goals, goals, he prowls in and around he’s a deadly finisher.”
Despite starting his career as a centre-forward, Graham faces stiff competition from Everton’s towering strikers, Thierno Barry and Beto. Standing at 5ft 9in, Graham may find his best opportunities playing off the sides rather than leading the line. Tait emphasized the importance of versatility in Graham’s development, allowing him to adapt to various attacking roles.
Paul Tait said: “I’ve played him as a nine and I’ve played him as a 10, not very much as a seven because I think he does his best work cutting in from the left on his right and he’s played as an 11. I think it’s important that we give him the variety of playing in those different positions. The reality of it is, if he’s going to get into somebody’s first team, and certainly in our first team, it will probably be off the sides. To put a lad that age, as your main number nine, in the Premier League is as big ask – we don’t see it now do we? It’s very rare that there’s a young number nine leading the line now. Most attacking teenagers get their debuts off the sides.”
Graham’s immediate future may involve a loan move, as Tait suggests, to gain valuable first-team experience. Meanwhile, he remains eligible for Keith Southern’s Under-18s side, showcasing his talents in the FA Youth Cup.
Everton’s Under-21s, led by Tait, are also preparing for a significant encounter against Borussia Dortmund in the Premier League International Cup quarter-finals. Tait is eager to see strong support for his side, recalling past experiences where a robust crowd made a significant impact.
Paul Tait said: “It will be great to get a crowd in to support the lads. I think we got around five thousand fans against Real Madrid and the difference that it makes is massive. Wally Hall is a tight venue, and it would make a real big difference for the boys.”
These international fixtures have provided invaluable learning experiences for Tait and his players, exposing them to diverse playing styles and tactical challenges. The upcoming match against Dortmund promises to be another pivotal moment in their development journey.
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