Armstrong’s ‘Hybrid’ Role & Next Everton Aim

Harrison Armstrong says he has faith in his own ability to establish himself as a regular in Everton’s midfield this season.

The 19-year-old Academy graduate played the full 90 minutes of the Blues’ 2-0 opening-day win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, impressing in the heart of midfield alongside Premier League debutant Hayden Hackney.

Speaking afterwards, Armstrong explained the “hybrid” role he was tasked with by manager David Moyes – and says he is fully aware of the need to continue his personal positive momentum amid healthy squad competition.

“It’s a really good start,” said Armstrong. “I think it was important after a good pre-season that we started well and the result is a massive thing in such an elite league.

“Everyone did their part. I think we showed we are diverse and we can overcome challenges.

“For someone my age to be playing 90 minutes in the Premier League – it’s a massive opportunity for me to learn, so I’m just hoping I can do that as much as possible this season.

“[Against Palace] the manager asked me to play what he calls the hybrid role. He wants me to see what the game needs – he’s given me license to push on at times, but also understand when I need to be deeper, alongside Hayden, maybe helping with the build-up. I think it’s more of a free role. He wants me to express myself.”

With James Garner – who was introduced as a late substitute against the Eagles – and summer signing Christian Nørgaard working their way back to full fitness, boss Moyes is set to have several options in midfield in the coming weeks.

Teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hailed the impact of Armstrong against Palace, explaining: “Harrison was exceptional today. He plays well beyond his years and he has that Everton spirit, which I love, and he has an engine on him, he runs all day.

“If he keeps playing like that it will be hard to take it out of the team.”

In response to that assessment – and the challenge that lays ahead, Armstrong continued: “Kiernan is someone I can look up to. Jimmy [Garner] and Christian [Nørgaard] are two players coming back to fitness with so much experience as well who I can lean on. It’s always nice to have encouraging words like that [from Kiernan].

“I know the quality I possess, so it’s down to make when I get my opportunities to take them on and make the most of it. If I do that, I can’t see why I can’t stay in the team – but, obviously, I’m also aware of the quality other players have and it’s a team sport. We’ll push each other on every day in training and make sure we get the best out of each other.”

Attentions now turn to the Carabao Cup, with a trip to Deepdale to take on Preston North End next up for the Toffees on Wednesday night (8pm BST) in the second round of the competition.

Armstrong spent a successful loan spell with the Championship outfit during the first half of last term and on his return, he added: “I was happy. It’ll be good to get back there and see some familiar faces. My loan spell there was very important for me. It was a crucial time [in my development] and I was fortunate to spend it at such a great club. I can’t speak highly enough of the club, the players and the staff. They all looked after me really well.”