Seamus Coleman has just offered some glowing praise of Everton youngster Braiden Graham.
It has been a real breakthrough campaign for Graham in Paul Tait’s U21 set-up at Finch Farm.
The 18-year-old forward won Everton’s academy Player of the Season award on Thursday night at the club’s award ceremony.
Where do you stand on Braiden Graham… would you give him his debut? 🎯
Perhaps more valuable than the award he received was the praise from Everton legend Coleman, with David Moyes unable to escape the hype around the youngster.
What Seamus Coleman said about Everton talent Braiden Graham
Graham was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award, but narrowly missed out on the crown.
His ability has not gone unrecognised at Finch Farm, with club captain Coleman expressing his excitement over Graham’s potential.
“Very fortunate to see Braiden up there. It kind of brings me back to myself – although I didn’t have the diamond earrings, Braiden,” Coleman joked at Everton’s award night.
Where will Everton be in the table by 6pm on Sunday afternoon? 🥲
The Blues could finish as low as 14th… 😫
“But it brings me back to myself, and I’m joking, Braiden; he’s going to go a long way as well, let me tell you.”
The 18-year-old scored a total of 25 goals for Everton’s U21s this season, which included four in his three PDL play-off games.
Coleman was spotted speaking with Graham in a recent first-team training session back at Finch Farm just a matter of weeks ago.
Although the youngster has impressed in first-team training, that has not translated into his debut just yet.
Graham did make the squad for the trip to the City Ground back in December, but he is still yet to get the nod by Moyes.
There is an expectation that Graham will be involved in Everton’s pre-season programme, with a decision then to be made on his immediate future.
He may not have featured at senior level just yet, but Coleman’s glowing praise will surely go a long way in Moyes’ thinking this summer.
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