Harrison Armstrong, the 19-year-old Everton midfielder, has grown in stature during a busy pre-season and appears ready for a major role in the first team. A telling moment came just before half-time in a recent friendly against Newcastle United, when Joelinton, one of the Premier League's most formidable midfielders, swept the teenager from his feet with a lazy flick.
That moment felt poignant given the context. Newcastle have boasted one of the best central midfields in the Premier League for several years, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton central to many big results. While Everton have won on their last two visits to St James' Park, Joelinton did not start either game, but he was pivotal in each of the recent 4-1 humblings at home.
A Pre-Season of Growth
Yet there he was chasing Armstrong's shadow, and he was not the first to lose that battle this summer. Armstrong has been heavily relied upon by manager David Moyes, starting five of the six pre-season friendlies. He has been a solid performer throughout, seeking the ball, driving forward when possible, and showing a willingness to do the dirty work. Off the pitch, his friendships with Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling have been a factor in both wingers' revived confidence at the club.
None of this should come as a surprise. Armstrong has adapted to meet every challenge in his short career. Two excellent loan spells in the Championship with Derby County and Preston North End were the backdrop to his first real exposure in the Premier League when he was recalled from Deepdale in January.
Competition for Places
After an initial flurry of appearances, including a standout performance from the left side of Moyes' central midfield three in the 1-0 win at Aston Villa, his opportunities reduced. The signing of Hayden Hackney has made a busy area of the squad even more congested, and Christian Norgaard has since followed, while Tim Iroegbunam's future is uncertain as Hull City pursue a move.
An injury to James Garner and the gentle rehabilitation of Hackney have given Armstrong a platform to grow, and he could not have done more to make his case for involvement this season. Whether that will follow remains unclear, as once Garner is fit and Norgaard up to speed, there will be a lot of competition, and those around the youngster know his development requires game time, even if that has to be on loan.
A Glimpse of the Future
In Edinburgh on Wednesday night, Armstrong provided a glimpse of why his future and his pathway need to be taken seriously by the club. His talent was obvious in his clever pass to Thierno Barry for the opening goal and his link-up with Tyrique George for the excellent third. But the fact he looks ready for the Premier League was hammered home by the ease with which he rendered Joelinton helpless in an otherwise quiet moment just before the break.
