Everton U21s secure their spot in the semi-final of the Professional Development League with victory over Brentford on Friday.
It was a seriously impressive win for Paul Tait and his side, who were able to turn around an underwhelming first 45 minutes.
Braiden Graham was the hero once again, but there were a number of other Everton players who sent a message out to David Moyes.
Does David Moyes need to put more trust in Everton’s academy players? 😤
Surely some of these players can do better than Beto and Dwight McNeil! 😡
With pre-season not too far in the distance, Everton News has taken a look at some of the players who could earn themselves a call-up to the travelling squad.
Braiden Graham
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Graham should be first in line for a promotion to the senior side over the summer.
It has been a sensational season for the 18-year-old, who has now scored eight in his last three games.
Braiden Graham has just done this days out from Man City… 🤩
Are you watching, David Moyes? 😬
Graham scored twice and provided two assists against Brentford on Friday, with the young forward stealing the headlines.
An interesting tactical tweak saw Everton get more out of Graham out on the left-wing after he struggled against Brentford’s two centre-backs.
There is a belief that Everton want to loan Graham out for next season, but Moyes will want a good look at him over the summer in pre-season.
Luca Davis
Everton are crying out for a new right-back and Luca Davis could be a serious option for the long-term on Merseyside.
It must be stressed that this is not a petition for Davis to become Everton’s starting right-back next season.
However, the 19-year-old has enjoyed a really strong end to the season on Merseyside, which should warrant him at least Moyes’ recognition.
Tait has been so impressed with Davis over recent weeks, with the right-back having scored twice and provided an assist in his last four games.
The Toffees will need to find a new senior right-back this summer, but Davis is certainly making a case to become a serious option for the future.
Demi Akarakiri
Another 18-year-old who could be set for a very bright future on Merseyside is Demi Akarakiri.
Akarakiri has impressed massively this season for the U21s, with the midfielder making the jump up from the U18 side.
The former Arsenal midfielder has a significant advantage over someone like Graham with his height providing him a physical boost.
There is still room for him to bulk up slightly, but Tait loved watching him in the second half as he grabbed a goal against Brentford on Thursday.
“It was nice to see Demi score because I asked for more from him at half-time. He did that and I thought he was terrific in the second half – winning tackles and scoring a good goal,” said the U21s boss.
Perhaps the biggest issue for Akarakiri is he is competing in a bloated department, with Harrison Armstrong already struggling for minutes under Moyes.
Shea Pita
Perhaps gone slightly under the radar because of just how good Graham has played this season, but Shea Pita is one to watch.
At just 16 years old, the Welshman is undoubtedly still some way off a spot in the Everton first team.
This was his first real taste of U21s football, with Tait showing a lot of faith in the young winger.
That trust has paid off, though. Pita has been an incredibly exciting addition alongside the likes of Graham.
Tait has been blown away by Pita and he could certainly be rewarded with the experience of joining the pre-season tour.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
