Everton face their fourth opportunity at securing a victory since the turn of the New Year on Sunday with a trip to Aston Villa.
David Moyes’ options remain stretched, which will make the team selection fairly straightforward for the 62-year-old.
On the back of securing their spot in the AFCON final, Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye return to Everton next week.
The lack of depth currently at the disposal of the Everton manager has seen a number of players handed some rare opportunities.
Everton’s squad is threadbare and that has meant some of the club’s academy prospects have even been called up to recent matchday squads.
Some good has come from that, though, with one player particularly impressing behind the scenes.
What Everton coaches were saying about Braiden Graham
Everton are incredibly pleased with Braiden Graham’s development as he continues to shine for the U21s.
The Northern Irishman has been knocking on Moyes’ door for a number of months now and he is finally getting an opportunity in first team training.
Everton released footage from Finch Farm training on their YouTube channel on Thursday, and Graham’s impact could both be seen and heard.
What more does Braiden Graham need to do to earn Moyes’ trust? 🌟
The youngster was just about everywhere on the training pitch as he showed absolutely no fear in getting stuck in to the senior players.
Scoring a number of goals and playing a delightful through ball for Jack Grealish, the Everton coaches could be heard singing the striker’s praises.
Earlier in the season, Moyes admitted Graham may not be ready for Everton’s first team, but it is clear that he is finally getting an opportunity.
Having only just turned 18, there may still be some concerns over Graham’s physicality, which may prevent him from minutes in the league.
Everton will play it cautiously with Braiden Graham
Although Everton are struggling massively at the top end of the pitch, it would be a big ask for Graham to come into the side and find some goals.
Graham cannot stop scoring for Everton’s U21s, but that may not necessarily translate into goals in the Premier League.
Braiden Graham is doing things Beto and Thierno Barry could only dream of… 😳
Had Everton’s injury situation not been as bad as it is, perhaps there could have been scope to send the striker out on loan.
With minutes feeling unlikely to come his way over the coming months, a loan move for next season could be a consideration.
Everton found the perfect loan for Harrison Armstrong with Preston North End and have seen exactly how that can
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