- Everton U-21s reached the PDL semifinal, beating Brentford 4-2
- Braiden Graham has been in brilliant form, knocking on the door for the first team
- U-21s manager Paul Tait has done a brilliant job this season
Everton’s future looks bright. While the first team chases European qualification and has countered some late setbacks, the Under‑21s are writing their own success story.
Paul Tait’s side secured a fourth consecutive victory on Friday, beating Brentford 4‑2 at Walton Hall Park to book their place in the PDL semi‑finals. It was another mature performance from a young group that has grown significantly over the season.
The young Blues fell behind early but showed character to turn the game around. Goals from Luca Davis, Demi Akarakiri and a brace from the in‑form Braiden Graham sealed the win. The result continues an impressive campaign for Tait’s side, who have now won four on the bounce and are genuine contenders for silverware.
Paul Tait: ‘It was an excellent game’
Head coach Paul Tait was full of praise for his players after the match. “It was an excellent game,” he told Everton’s official website. “They had a really strong start and we couldn’t match their intensity. We found ourselves behind but then Luca, who has been coming up with a goal lately, showed real personality to get in at the back‑post and get us back in the game.”
He added: “At half‑time we said that if we matched their intensity, we could hurt them with our quality. The second half showed that and although the sending off helped us, we were in total control. We overran them and the substitutes helped us.”
Braiden Graham: The star of the season
Once again, Braiden Graham was the standout performer. The 18‑year‑old forward has been in sensational form. After scoring four goals against Ipswich and a brace in the extra‑time victory over Watford, he added two more against Brentford, including a cheeky Panenka penalty and a tight‑angle finish.
In Premier League 2 this season, Graham has made 19 appearances with 18 starts, playing 1,694 minutes. He has scored 14 goals and added two assists. His consistency has been remarkable.
Tait has previously praised Graham’s all‑round game. “If you’ve got a front player who can come and link it to feet and go in behind, then you’ve got a good front player.” And the teenager keeps proving that assessment right.
David Moyes has been watching. Back in January, he acknowledged Graham’s progress but urged patience. “Braiden is doing well. We need him to build up his physicality and speed, all those things that come from stepping up to the Premier League.”
A season to be proud of for Everton Under-21s
The Under‑21s have given Everton genuine reason for optimism. With a run of four straight wins, a place in the PDL semi‑finals, and a golden boy in Graham who simply cannot stop scoring, the academy is thriving under Paul Tait.
The first team may be the focus, but the future is in very good hands. The case for Braiden Graham grows stronger with every goal and with every win, this young Everton side proves they belong on the big stage.
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