Braiden Graham believes training with the Everton senior squad during pre-season can help him continue his development after the academy youngster played his part in the club’s victory over Hamburger SV.
The teenager was involved with David Moyes’ first-team group during the trip to Germany and helped create the winning goal as Everton secured a positive result ahead of the new season.
Graham said the experience of working alongside senior players had given him another opportunity to improve.
“It will help me take my game to the next level,” he said after his pre-season involvement.
For Everton’s academy, the summer has provided further opportunities for young players to work closely with the first team. Moyes has continued to include promising youngsters in his pre-season plans as he assesses his squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Graham’s involvement follows a pathway that has seen several academy graduates make their mark at senior level, with Everton keen to continue developing players from within.
The teenager still has plenty of work ahead of him before becoming a regular first-team option, but pre-season provides an important chance to catch the manager’s eye.
His contribution in Hamburg was another positive step and gave him valuable experience of the demands of senior football.
With Everton preparing for their second season at the Hill Dickinson, opportunities may emerge for younger players during the campaign. Graham will now look to build on his involvement and continue pushing for further chances with Moyes’ squad.
