Everton fans think David Moyes has found ‘the next Jude Bellingham’ during West Ham defeat

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Everton suffered a 2-1 defeat against West Ham United in their second game in the Summer Series.

Idrissa Gana Gueye opened the scoring for David Moyes’ side, with youngster Harrison Armstrong providing the assist.

The Hammers were able to level the proceedings just before half-time after a goalkeeping error from Mark Travers.

Everton made changes at the break, allowing fans to get a good look at their new striker signing, Thierno Barry.

Last time out, Everton fans were impressed with Barry on his debut against AFC Bournemouth.

On Wednesday evening, there was another player who really caught the eye of the fans who stayed up into the early hours of Thursday morning.

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Everton fans react to Harrison Armstrong’s display vs West Ham

Having impressed in these early stages of pre-season, Armstrong is receiving interest from across Europe.

A big decision needs to be made on Merseyside as to whether the 18-year-old will be playing his football at the Hill Dickinson Stadium or elsewhere this season.

After watching him against the Hammers, Everton fans are convinced Armstrong should be sticking around.

Taking to social media, one fan very simply demanded that Everton keep Armstrong, saying: ‘Harrison Armstrong cannot be loaned out again’. With another fan adding: ‘Wouldn’t be loaning Armstrong anywhere the lads got it all.’

There are also a number of Championship clubs keen to sign Armstrong on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

Some fans went even bolder, claiming: ‘Not one to overreact but give Armstrong the number 8 jersey and name the stadium after him.’ Whilst another Evertonian even said: ‘Armstrong is the next Jude Bellingham… and yes I am making that claim off very little and incredibly prematurely.’

Quite the claim, but some other fans were a bit more realistic in their assessments, one said: ‘Harrison Armstrong is gonna be unreal for us in the next few seasons’. And one Everton fan also said: ‘Harrison Armstrong looks ready for the Premier League to me’.

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Everton must be realistic in their Armstrong assessment

On the evidence provided this summer, Armstrong looks capable of playing a role for Moyes this season.

Armstrong’s Everton teammates have even praised him by providing him with the nickname ‘Hollywood’ from their Scotland training camp.

It has been a bright start to the summer, but it has to be remembered Everton are looking to sign another midfielder.

Everton are looking to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus over the coming weeks, which would put even more scrutiny on Armstrong’s future.

If new additions land, it will be interesting to see whether Moyes feels he could offer Armstrong the minutes required to continue his development.