Everton’s exciting teenage talent Harrison Armstrong starred for Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.
Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom was so impressed by Harrison Armstrong’s display, as he showed great maturity for an 18-year-old.
Armstrong is quickly establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Championship, and there’s been plenty of discourse over whether he’ll be recalled by David Moyes in January.
After his sensational performance in the 2-0 win against Southampton, Preston fans made a really bold prediction about what he could achieve.
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Preston fans certain Harrison Armstrong will be an England international
After beating Southampton at St Mary’s, Preston fans swarmed to social media to hail Everton loanee Armstrong.
Some even predicted him to captain England one day, that’s how blown away they were by his display in the middle of the park.
“The way Armstrong plays he really reminds me of Bellingham. Composed, strong, powerful rubber, knows how to use his body and the way he glides across the pitch is very Bellingham-esque. What a signing he is proving to be,” @thedeepdaleway posted.
@fanpne added: “This Armstrong loan feels like when we had Pickford. We knew he would be England No1 and I have the same feeling Armstrong is destined to go to the same heights! Hope Everton don’t recall him in January like Sunderland did Pickford.”
@JonnyEllithorn explained: “Harrison-Armstrong will play for England senior side in the future, it is scary how good he is at 18, we have had some excellent loan players down the years but in my opinion he tops them all and is only going to develop and get better.”
@matty_1880 commented: “Harrison Armstrong is the most gifted footballer I have ever seen in a North End shirt.”
“Moment in the second half today (and he does this nonstop) where Armstrong charged back, was never favourite to the ball, bodied their man and then won a free kick. 18 years old… ridiculously good footballer. Half turns, passing through lines, the boy’s got it all,” @TCowey26 noted.
@ChrisGrogan_ admitted: “How the f— we got Armstrong on loan will forever be a mystery. He is one of the best players I’ve ever seen live.
Harrison Armstrong stats vs Southampton
Armstrong’s Sofascore statistics make for great reading, as he produced a near faultless defensive masterclass in midfield.
The 18-year-old constantly won back possession and displayed similar traits to Idrissa Gana Gueye, but with more poise on the ball.
- 47 touches
- 9 duels won
- 3 recoveries
- 3 tackles
- 2 interceptions
- 1 key pass
The England youth international also made one key pass, so he was quite unfortunate not to come away with an assist.
Moyes and his chiefs will certainly be keeping close tabs on Armstrong ahead of the January transfer window – when they can decide whether to recall him.
Gueye could be absent from December 21st to January 18th due to AFCON, so a big decision awaits this winter.
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