First team football for the prolific Braiden Graham looks a long way off | OneFootball

As we look forward to the FA Youth Cup 6th Round tie at Manchester City tomorrow night, Everton U21s boss Paul Tait has been telling the Echo about how he likes to play goal-scoring starlet Braiden Graham, although from the club’s plans for him next season, any first-team exposure seems a long way off.  

The 18-year-old was named by David Moyes among the unused subs in the senior squad just once in 29 Premier League games so far this season (the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the end of December) and he was also among the unused substitutes for the FA Cup 3rd round tie against Sunderland in January, but has not been called upon since.

Yet according to the Echo, the player has netted an incredible 31 times in all competitions so far this season for Blues academy teams. Quite remarkable as he is only 5ft-9in… that will undoubtedly count against him when it comes to gaining experience or offering a defensive bulwark against the bigger stronger players in the Premier League.

Paul Tait told the Echo: “His goals, that’s what gets him noticed. Everybody in the academy has been impressed with his mentality. The way he trains, he’s first on the pitch and last off.

“He’s desperate to do individual stuff and get better. He’s desperate to improve his weaknesses, is humble and works hard.

“He’s a good character. Not just the talent that you see on the pitch but characteristics we try to instil in the boys in terms of humility and seeing the goodness in teamwork and Braiden has embraced that since he came over from Ireland.

“I’ve played him as a 9 and I’ve played him as a 10, not very much as a 7 because I think he does his best work cutting in from the left on his right and he’s played as an 11. I think it’s important that we give him the variety of playing in those different positions.

“The reality of it is, if he’s going to get into somebody’s first team, and certainly in our first team, it will probably be off the sides. To put a lad that age, as your main number nine, in the Premier League is as big ask – we don’t see it now do we?

“It’s very rare that there’s a young Number 9 leading the line now. Most attacking teenagers get their debuts off the sides.

“We’ve got one eye on that. But at the same time, we don’t want to take away the opportunity to play as a centre-forward, or a false 9 or Number 10.

“I think the key is variety in his positions to give him that all-round development. That will mean he’s ready when he does go into the first team.

“The reality for Braiden is that next season, hopefully he’s in and around our first team. If he impresses and has a good pre-season, it’s up to him then and he’ll probably be looking for a loan as that will be the next stage of his journey.”

Reader Comments (30)

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Kieran Kinsella 1 Posted 13/03/2026 at 03:30:15

Funny thing is, Anthony Gordon was less impactful but, due to lack of options, Rafa had to use him. He's not Messi but went for £50M and supposedly despite having nothing hit speed to offer is now a target for Arsenal and Liverpool.

This idea a youngster can't play Number 9 is absurd. The notion he'd be played as a winger is the same thing we've seen with Moyes for every marginally skillful midfielder from Arteta and Osman through to Armstrong.

If they dare to be creative stick them on the wing. Small-minded overly negative attitude that gives you a permanent glass ceiling.

Alan J Thompson 2 Posted 13/03/2026 at 05:35:57

I'd be very surprised if Moyes gives the lad a chance this season despite our league position and that it would be a nothing-to-lose opportunity but we've seen this throughout the football ages.

We had a player who was turned down by several clubs as a youngster because of his size, little curly Alan Ball, and Colin Harvey in the San Siro was no overgrown weightlifter either, but then neither were asked to chase, unsupported, long hoofs down the middle.

Ian Bennett 3 Posted 13/03/2026 at 08:16:27

These arent Moyes comments though Kieran. These are the comments from his U18 manager Paul Tait.

We might not like what he saids, but he is giving an informed opinion from inside the club. There are very few lads coming through at 18 and playing centre forward. That is fact.

Personally I hope he gets minutes this season, and then a good loan next season where he's playing every game in a technical league like Holland or a progressive team in the championship.

Dave Abrahams 4 Posted 13/03/2026 at 08:41:46

Ian (3), Paul Tait was asking questions as well as giving his point of view— “ As a number 9 we don’t see it now do we?” Maybe not starting a game now- No, that’s fair enough, but coming on with 20 minutes to go and we are losing, yes get him on, instead of swapping Beto for Barry, Braiden is likely to put away those chances away or sniff one out for himself because the lad has got a football brain and space awareness that those two seem to lack.

We paid a record fee for Tony Cottee, a small striker who could score goals, Graham has the potential to become a very good goalscorer and provider starting now not talking about a loan deal the season after next— This from the U21 teams manager— talk about holding a player back, Jesus, give the lad a go now, he might get those missing goals that get us into Europe, Moyes is the manager of the first team, use that astute knowledge, wisdom and experience that some media are saying you’ve got and you did say “ we are not scoring enough goals” — Not many people know that do they— except everyone who watches us!

Ian Bennett 5 Posted 13/03/2026 at 09:37:26

I would have Cottee down as a more stockier frame tbh. That might be coloured in later years, but he was playing with an experienced pro in Frank Macevenie, who could handle himself when he first came through.

Graham's build reminds me of Jeffers. More technical than Franny, but a similar wiry, slight frame. A player that suffered chronically with glass ankles, presumably from impact injuries.

Jeffers played with Big Kev, in a 442, like Cottee. The big man absorbing much of the punishment. Who would provide that help? Can you put Graham up against 6 foot 5 sprinters, can you expect him to cope physically?

442 is practically dead, can you see a return? I think I struggle as the gaps and running stats, have sadly killed it I think.

I like what I see Dave, but patience might be the best way on this one. Certainly Tait's angle.

They can all see him getting a chance. But like many home grown players, Ratcliffe, Gerrard, Carragher, waiting their time before plsying in their preferred position.

Ian Bennett 7 Posted 13/03/2026 at 10:25:48

if you like John - I was 9 at the time, so just remember a blonde fella that handle himself? was it 442?

Dave Abrahams 8 Posted 13/03/2026 at 10:26:04

Ian (5) Re your last paragraph Ian those players eventually got consistent positions but they also played now and again or were used as subs while waiting.

I’m not sure a big frame is essential when you’ve got a few other qualities in your game, said it before and maybe Jimmy Greaves was a one off but he was among the best goalscorers and footballers I ever saw.

Again I understand patience is a virtue but I bet it gets frustrating as well.

Brian Harrison 10 Posted 13/03/2026 at 10:40:12

Dave

I loved watching Jimmy Greaves, for me, the best goalscorer ever to play for England, if you look at goals per game he is way better than the rest.

Jimmy had everything; he could go past a couple of defenders and most of his goals were passed into the net.

We were lucky to see all those classy players that played back then, and let’s not forget you were allowed to tackle from behind in those days.

Defenders always let attackers know in the first few minutes by clattering into the back of them. Best stop — it’s getting like All Our Yesterdays.

Peter Gorman 11 Posted 13/03/2026 at 11:38:14

Michael Owen was 5'-8”Jermaine Defore was 5'-7”Gianfranco Zola was 5'-6”

Not putting pressure on the lad like, but smaller things have happened before.

John Collins 14 Posted 13/03/2026 at 13:02:00

Ian,

What did you think of Braiden's character when you met him?

Rooney or Oster?

Ian Bennett 15 Posted 13/03/2026 at 13:24:44

It is still a physical game, John.

Look at his picture at the top of the page, and consider he will be up against 6'-5" centre-backs, built like middleweights, that can sprint 100 m in just over 11 s.

They won't be holding back just because he's a kid. It is a binary decision: he is either ready or he is not.

If you think you want him in that situation, in front of 50k, 60k people, millions at home, then go for it.

Experienced coaches are currently disagreeing with you. And that's all that matters really.

Ian Bennett 17 Posted 13/03/2026 at 13:39:12

Van der Ven is about that.

Ian Bennett 18 Posted 13/03/2026 at 13:41:12

Where did I mention his character? I was talking their build.

Each post refers to his physical stature.

Tony Abrahams 19 Posted 13/03/2026 at 13:41:23

Maybe one of the reasons football is becoming more boring and robotic by the year is because of those experienced coaches who aren't prepared to take many chances?

John Collins 20 Posted 13/03/2026 at 13:43:35

You mentioned the feisty 5'-9" McAvennie. How do you know Braiden hasn't got the same?

Van de Ven is around that height. How do you know he can run 100 m in 11 s?

John Collins 21 Posted 13/03/2026 at 13:48:53

Tony,

It was mentioned earlier in this thread: "4-4-2 is practically dead. Can you see a return?" I watched Real Madrid destroy Man City playing 4-4-2 in the week.

Funnily enough, I had a chat with a man whose football knowledge I greatly respect a few weeks ago. His opinion was that one of the Top 5, with money to spend, would win the Premier League by playing 4-4-2.

What are your thoughts on that?

Ian Bennett 22 Posted 13/03/2026 at 14:17:21

He was recognised as the fastest player in the Premier League, beating Kyle Walker's data. He ran 78 metres in 9 seconds, and has the speed recording that would put him behind top athletes. His speed there was in the wheelhouse of an elite athlete.

Player Top speed (km/h) Date Opp.Micky van de Ven 37.38 km/h 31/01/24 Brentford

vs

Elite Average Speeds: Men average 10.44 m/s (37.58 km/h or 23.35 mph during a WR run.

He has been clocked as the fastest player in Germany and England, and I know how quick rugby wingers are in comparison like Rees Zammit. It will be over 11 seconds, but not by much more.

If Rees Zammit's numbers are to be believed, he did 10.42 s over 100 m for a drinks promotion. Impressive, but that gets you 8th in the UK athletics squad.

There are some seriously quick players around these days; sadly, not many in a blue shirt.

Dale Self 24 Posted 13/03/2026 at 14:36:37

We need a technically gifted playmaker in the middle. I'm not sure that requires sprint speed as much as reaction, acceleration and vision.

I will leave it to the big football brains to assess whether Braiden Graham has the football IQ to thrive in the Premier League. He seems to have the most potential for that role as anyone else we have.

Tony Abrahams 25 Posted 13/03/2026 at 14:47:52

It's a system I know inside out, John, so without a doubt I could see a team being very successful playing with that system.

Press high or defend from your halfway line. A mixture of both but, more importantly, a few little tweaks here and there, for different times throughout the game.

I managed a team of lunatics once and used to start 4-5-1 but usually switched to 4-4-2 when we were defending a lead. Eight men, solid and compact, leaving two upfront to go chasing when we were clearing our lines and it used to be quite successful.

Dave Abrahams 27 Posted 13/03/2026 at 18:00:56

Ian ( various) Braiden was playing against Irishmen in the Irish League at 15 years of age so he'll be used to getting knocked about.

Although he seems to have a quiet nature, that doesn't mean he isn't able to look after himself, like Armstrong v Fernanadez or going back to All Our Yesterdays (Thanks, Brian) Colin Harvey giving Denis Law plenty when Denis came at him with the verbals.

Ian Bennett 28 Posted 13/03/2026 at 18:46:28

Dave, yeah, Southall was doing the same in North Wales. As per post 3 I do hope to see him.

And yeah, my point on Ratcliffe, Gerrard and Carragher was exactly what you said. Got minutes on the pitch in wider positions, way before playing in their long-term positions.

It was interesting that Tait mentioned playing 11, rather than 7. I assume better off the left wing rather than the right wing. Which is a shame, as that's the opportunity currently.

John Collins 29 Posted 13/03/2026 at 18:53:07

Ian,

There is only one way to find out if he is capable.

I am not advocating he starts, just an introduction here and there, 10 or 15 minutes initially.

30 Posted 13/03/2026 at 00:05:18

The lad is young, still developing physically and obviously not ready for the step up just yet.

You can be sure the backroom staff at Everton will be building a plan to give him every opportunity.

There is no doubt that the young man has talent, but he needs speed first to get away from the bruisers to allow him to show off his finishing skills.

Lets leave it to the professionals and not put too much pressure on the young man just yet