Everton will be keeping close tabs on young prospect Harrison Armstrong and his development at Derby County.
After impressing in Everton’s U21s side this season, the youngster earned himself a move to the Championship outfit on a short-term loan.
David Moyes has been unable to hand out many minutes to the hot prospects at Finch Farm due to the uncertainty at the club when he took over.
Armstrong has really impressed Derby fans after arriving in the January transfer window.
And it could well be a case of trying not to fall in love with a loan player for those at Pride Park as Armstrong goes from strength to strength.
But the Rams were up against one of the toughest outfits in the Championship on Tuesday, with Armstrong facing a stern Burnley side.
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Derby County media hail Everton loanee Harrison Armstrong
Asmir Begovic has praised Armstrong as ‘special’ after seeing the youngster in action back at Finch Farm.
It is unfortunate that the 18-year-old was not handed more minutes in the senior side this season, but Moyes felt he had to cut opportunities to secure Premier League survival.
With just a matter of weeks remaining, Armstrong has now been handed some big praise by the local media following Derby’s draw against Burnley.
‘More of a physical presence in the midfield who could get on the ball and find composure during those periods when the ball was being hooked here and there by both sides,’ said Derby Telegraph.
‘Got through plenty of work alongside Thompson against quality opponents.’
- 90 minutes played
- 32 touches
- 73% pass accuracy
- 3/5 ground duels won
- 2 clearances
- 2 interceptions
- 2 tackles
Armstrong has also been praised by Derby’s manager as the youngster has made a real impression on the Championship since January.
Everton fans will be delighted to see the midfielder performing at such a level in his first loan move away from the club.
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Everton can assess their young talents over the summer
As much as Moyes would have liked to involve the youngsters more than he has, survival has been the most important thing.
Armstrong is not the only youngster to impress of late, with Justin Clarke scoring four times for Everton U18s on Tuesday.
There are some seriously exciting players on Everton’s books and Moyes will surely be assessing his options over the summer.
Moyes has accepted Everton are safe from relegation as he looks forward to visiting Bramley-Moore Dock.
But a huge summer awaits him and a decision on what next for Armstrong will surely be on the agenda.
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