Kevin Phillips, who enjoyed one of the most spectacular debut seasons in Premier League history, has backed Everton's new signing Hayden Hackney to shine at the highest level, calling the midfielder's talent one of football's 'worst-kept secrets'.
Phillips draws on his own spectacular debut season
In the 1999/2000 campaign, under the management of Blues legend Peter Reid, Phillips plundered 30 Premier League goals for Sunderland as the Wearside outfit finished seventh – their first top-half finish in the top flight since 1956. Now the former England striker sees similar potential in Hackney, who arrives at Goodison Park from Middlesbrough for £16.5 million.
Everton manager David Moyes has an impressive record of developing Championship players into polished Premier League performers. During his first spell at Goodison Park, he plucked Tim Cahill from Millwall and Joleon Lescott from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while at West Ham United he signed Jarrod Bowen from Hull City – all of whom became key Premier League players.
Hackney's Championship dominance
Hackney was voted Championship Player of the Season for 2025/26, his final campaign at Middlesbrough, before making the switch to Everton. Phillips believes the step up will suit him.
Speaking courtesy of BestBettingSites.co.uk, the 52-year-old told the ECHO: 'With Hayden, it's one of those worst-kept secrets, and he was always going to be moving on. It was just a case of where. I think Everton are getting a fantastic player.'
Technical qualities that will translate to the Premier League
Phillips highlighted the specific attributes that make Hackney ready for the top flight. 'It's a big jump from the Championship to the Premier League, but he's got qualities. You don't sign for Everton unless you have that. He's technically a very good player, he can get around a pitch, can find a pass and can create opportunities for the strikers and wide men. So, I think he'll handle it, he'll relish it.'
The former Sunderland striker acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in Hackney's ability to adapt. 'He'll be tested week in and week out. It's going to be really interesting to see how he handles it, but I think he will, to be honest.'
