David Moyes has been open about his disappointment with Everton’s summer transfer business, admitting that the club lost a key player in Iliman Ndiaye without making enough additions to adequately cover his departure.
“We were looking to get some money in and we lost Ili (Ndiaye) who was someone we definitely didn’t want to lose. Sometimes it’s difficult when a club like Manchester City comes for your players. We liked Ili a lot,” the manager said, with Beto also leaving for Fiorentina without Everton bringing in a direct replacement.
“I know what it looks like to build a squad for the Premier League and how many players you need. But some things went against us. Other things we could have done better. We didn’t want to lose players but for a lot of reasons that didn’t happen.
“They are all going to have to muck in. We’ve got a really small squad but sometimes that gives people opportunities. Let’s see if some of them can do that.
“The players have made a really good start to the season so there’s a lot of positivity and confidence here in how we’ve started.”
Moyes’ admission that Everton may have to rely on younger players and limited squad depth comes at a notable point in the campaign, with the Toffees preparing to welcome Manchester United this weekend.
While one academy prospect is not expected to feature against United, Moyes has provided a strong indication that the youngster could soon be given an opportunity at senior level, particularly because of Everton’s lack of options in attack.
Moyes tips exciting academy forward for first-team opportunities
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Moyes indicated that Everton’s younger players could be forced into first-team contention earlier than anticipated. Under-21 forward Braiden Graham was specifically highlighted as one of the leading candidates.
The 18-year-old Northern Irishman has been in outstanding form for Everton’s youth teams and spent a significant part of pre-season training with the senior squad.
Braiden Graham
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everton U21 | 41 | 24 | 7 |
| Everton U18 | 18 | 12 | 2 |
Moyes has been cautious about placing too much pressure on Graham and has explained that he is not viewed primarily as a central striker. At 5ft 9in, the youngster is more likely to operate from wider attacking positions, but his manager is clearly encouraged by his development.
“He’s probably someone who will play off the sides. We like Braiden. He’s trained with us and was with us in pre-season. He’s certainly moving in the right direction.
“But it would be a difficult ask for any young player to come into the Premier League and be a source of goals.”
With Everton’s squad depth stretched following a frustrating summer window, and Moyes acknowledging that his players will need to “muck in,” Graham’s route into the first team could become considerably quicker.
The teenager could be particularly important if injuries affect attacking options such as Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George.
Graham may have to wait for another opportunity before featuring in a major Premier League clash against Manchester United, but his impressive youth-team numbers and growing involvement with the senior squad suggest his first-team breakthrough could be closer than expected.