Everton played their first pre-season game on Tuesday evening.
The Toffees were held to a 1-1 draw against Accrington Stanley, with Beto netting the only goal for the visitors.
Everton fans were left blown away by Harrison Armstrong, who played his first game for the Toffees since returning from a six-month loan at Derby County.
Armstrong is being tipped for a bright future by coaches around Finch Farm and that ability was certainly on show at the Wham Stadium.
Justin Clarke was another youngster who really impressed and supporters had a lot to say about his display last night.
- READ MORE: David Moyes sends Everton fans into a frenzy after adding £40m Premier League star to his shortlist
Everton stunned by Justin Clarke vs Accrington Stanley
Clarke, 16, was a regular for the under-18s last term and enjoyed a really productive campaign, netting 10 goals in just 16 outings.
That form has evidently alerted Moyes, as the teenager was substituted on just after the hour mark for his senior debut, albeit not a competitive one.
Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to react to his sensational cameo.
“Justin Clarke… What have you just done. THAT is the kind of stuff I want to see from youth players when they get given a chance,” @Stotty101_ posted.
@SG_EFC commented: “I have no idea who Justin Clarke was until 10 minutes ago, but I’m already fully convinced he is the next Ronaldo…”
@morgan_H7_ added: “Who’s this Justin Clarke and why’s he the second coming of Cristiano Ronaldo.”
“We paid a 6-figure sum for Justin Clarke at just 16 years old, looks like a real talent,” @scousehouse06 explained.
@efcharv asked: “Why not save ourselves 30m and just play Justin Clarke as the right winger?”
@Book618 noted: “A breath of fresh air seeing a winger with pace!
“Justin Clarke and Isaac Heath just saved us 60m in the space of 20 minutes,” @efcharv said.
Who is Justin Clarke?
Everton signed Clarke from Wimbledon in September 2024 after he became the youngest-ever player to make a senior appearance for the League Two outfit, who finished fifth last term.
The jet-heeled winger made his debut at just 15-years-old, evincing just how well-thought-of he was at the Dons.
The Toffees moved quickly to put him on a scholarship, and after last night’s display, it’s pretty evident he will be offered a professional contract when he turns 17.
It’s unlikely Clarke will be included in Moyes’ first-team squad in the Premier League, however, the League Cup and FA Cup could provide him with more senior opportunities this season.
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