Don Goodman has lavished praise on Everton's new signing Hayden Hackney, tipping the midfielder to follow in the footsteps of Premier League stars Michael Olise and Adam Wharton. The Sky Sports Football League expert, who has tracked Hackney's progress at Middlesbrough, believes the 24-year-old is destined for success at Goodison Park.
Goodman's Verdict on Hackney
Goodman, a former striker for Bradford City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, and Sanfrecce Hiroshima, described Hackney as the best player in the Championship last season. He said: 'He was the best player in the Championship, and I think Everton have got a real player on their hands. Honestly, I rate him really, really highly.'
The pundit expressed confidence that Hackney will adapt seamlessly to the Premier League, drawing comparisons to other successful graduates from the second tier. 'I have no doubt he's going to be a success in the Premier League, in the same way that others like Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton have,' Goodman added. 'I'm not saying he's automatically going to reach those exact world-class heights, but these are young players of a similar age to him who made that jump to the Premier League and have absolutely shone.'
Moyes Factor Key to Hackney's Move
Everton secured Hackney for an initial £16.5 million last week, with the midfielder citing manager David Moyes as a pivotal factor in his decision. Moyes has a proven track record of developing Championship talents, including Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka, and Jarrod Bowen.
Goodman believes Moyes is the ideal mentor for Hackney. 'In David Moyes, I don't think he could have a better manager. He is someone who will drive massively high standards and place big demands on him, and I think Hackney will meet those demands,' he told talkSPORT Bet.
Playing Style and Fan Appeal
Goodman highlighted Hackney's distinctive style as a central midfielder who takes risks and drives forward. 'Everton fans are going to love watching the way he plays football because you don't get many central midfielders who drop the shoulder and take players on anymore,' he said. 'He can beat two or three players while dribbling and open things right up. Every time he gets the ball, he looks to pass it forward and hurt the opponent, which I love.'
The pundit criticized the prevalence of safe, sideways passing in modern football and praised Hackney's direct approach. 'For me, football has gone way too safe nowadays with far too much sideways and backwards passing. You won't get that from him – he looks to hurt you and penetrate lines,' Goodman stated. 'I'm incredibly excited to see how he does, but I have no doubt whatsoever that he belongs in the Premier League.'
