AliousEverton Football Club has long been celebrated for its exceptional youth academy, with Wayne Rooney standing as its most illustrious graduate. Now, a new prospect is emerging in the form of Harrison Armstrong, a 17-year-old midfielder who has been turning heads with impressive performances for both the under-21s and in limited first-team appearances. While League Two side Barrow has expressed interest in securing Armstrong on loan, manager Sean Dyche’s high praise and belief in the youngster’s potential suggests Everton may retain him through the January transfer window.
The path from academy to first-team success isn’t always straightforward at Goodison Park, but many graduates have found remarkable success elsewhere. Two compelling examples highlight this phenomenon:
Tyias Browning’s journey has been particularly interesting. After managing just nine appearances for Everton’s first team, he made a £4 million move to Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande in 2019. His Asian adventure proved fruitful, with over 60 appearances and a league title in his debut season. A subsequent move to Shanghai Port in 2022 brought two more league championships. Now 30, Browning has established himself as a cornerstone of Chinese football, earning 31 international caps and scoring once for his adopted nation.
Antonee Robinson represents another success story of Everton’s youth development. Following his permanent transfer to Wigan Athletic in 2019, Robinson’s career has soared. He’s developed into one of the Premier League’s standout left-backs at Fulham, while simultaneously becoming a crucial figure for the United States national team, approaching an impressive milestone of 50 international appearances at just 27 years old.
These contrasting careers demonstrate how Everton’s academy continues to produce talented players who make their mark in football, whether at Goodison Park or beyond its historic gates.
Alious
