Neither Braiden Graham nor George Pickford were named the Premier League 2 Player of the Season on Tuesday evening.
The Everton duo made the eight-man shortlist for the award following seriously impressive seasons with Paul Tait in the U21 squad.
It is Graham who has stolen the headlines back at Finch Farm this season, though, with a big question hanging over David Moyes regarding what comes next for the 18-year-old.
Where do you stand on Braiden Graham… would you give him his debut? 🎯
Although the Northern Irishman did not take home the Premier League award, his development on the pitch this season has been worth more to Everton than any plastic trophy.
Braiden Graham makes name for himself with stunning Everton U21 campaign
Goals naturally catch the attention of supporters with any youth player and Graham has certainly provided a lot of those.
The 18-year-old netted 12 goals in the Premier League 2 campaign and then added a further four in his three appearances in the PDL play-offs.
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! 😡
Graham has proven his ability across all competitions, with goals in the Premier League 2, FA Youth Cup and International Cup.
Including his four goals in the play-offs, Graham returned 25 goals across all competitions this season.
It is not just the goals that have impressed behind the scenes at Finch Farm, with Tait so impressed with Graham’s work rate.
“Braiden was outstanding and did some excellent things. He just keeps going because he’s got that fire in his belly and the determination,” said the Everton U21 manager.
The attitude on display from the youngster has been exemplary on Merseyside.
This has resulted in Graham being promoted to senior Everton training under Moyes at various times during the 2025/26 campaign
In footage shared by the club, the 18-year-old could be seen holding nothing back by attempting to physically match his senior teammates.
However, this is where the only real concern currently lies surrounding Graham: his physicality.
What next for Graham after breakthrough Everton campaign
An interesting summer lies ahead for the youngster, with Everton expected to select Graham for their pre-season efforts.
This will provide Moyes an opportunity to assess the 18-year-old before determining what is next for his development.
History would suggest that a loan move could be in store for Graham, with Harrison Armstrong setting the example last summer.
Moyes has admitted Graham will get an opportunity in the summer as he is not yet ready to use the forward with so much still on the line in Everton’s Premier League campaign.
“I am pleased that Braiden is doing really well,” Moyes said.
“He will probably get more chance of getting seen around the pre-season.”
What level Graham could be sent out to next season raises another interesting question.
Harrison Armstrong was first sent out to Championship outfit Derby County and then Preston North End, which earned him some solid experience in the second-tier of English football.
Tait does not believe Graham is ready to play as a striker at senior level, though.
That has been evident by the sporadic tactical change to pull Graham out to the left-wing when things have not been going in his favour during games.
Clearly, U21 level has proven too easy for Graham this season, with another term in the Premier League 2 possibly not offering much with regards to his development.
Everton have already benefited from Armstrong’s development elsewhere; Graham could be the next in line to be thrown out into the world of men’s football.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
