Everton youth shine in Grealish's absence — SkimNews
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- Hayden Hackney scored and assisted in Everton's 2-0 EFL Cup win over Newcastle, marking only the second time in his career he achieved both in a single match.
- Thierno Barry provided the assist for James Garner’s opening goal and has now been involved in 15 of Everton’s 24 big chances this season, despite being the club’s only specialist centre-forward.
- David Moyes confirmed he is integrating Championship-level signings like Hackney into the Premier League setup, acknowledging gaps in their game while praising their attacking contributions.
- Everton’s starting XI has averaged 26 years and 216 days this season, an 18-month drop from last year, reflecting a clear shift toward younger players under Moyes.
- Players aged 21 or under have already played 1,206 Premier League minutes this season, surpassing last season’s total of 1,088, with 19-year-old Harrison Armstrong starting every league match.
- Tyrique George, 20, has made five Premier League starts this season after joining permanently from Chelsea, scoring his first goal in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in September.
Why it matters: Everton’s reliance on young players is no longer just developmental but tactical and structural, with 7 of 10 permanent signings since January 2025 aged 24 or under. This shift directly responds to squad thinness and lack of senior options, making youth integration a necessity rather than a choice.
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