Opinion: Everton starlet’s reputation soars after impressive display away from Goodison Park
Braiden Graham nets late winner for Northern Ireland Under-19s as his rising stock boosts his Everton prospects.
On 20 November, the Belfast Telegraph hailed Braiden Graham as “the toast of Northern Ireland” after his 88th-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory over Albania in a UEFA Under-19 EURO 2025 qualifier.
Graham, who joined Everton this summer after making 10 league appearances for Linfield, has already impressed at youth level, scoring eight goals in just nine matches for the Under-18s this season.
At just 17 years old and yet to feature in Premier League 2 for Everton’s Under-21s, his rapid development for both club and country suggests a first-team debut may not be far away.
Everton’s Goal-Scoring Struggles Highlight Need for Graham
Everton’s ongoing difficulties in finding the net are well-documented.
Strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto have managed just four goals between them across all competitions this season.
Last season, Calvert-Lewin was the club’s top scorer with only seven goals, underscoring Everton’s lack of firepower.
While Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja are recovering from injuries, the team remains in desperate need of consistent goal-scoring options.
Though Graham may not yet be ready for a first-team breakthrough, given his age and the depth of attacking options ahead of him, his impressive form at youth level is becoming impossible to ignore.
A promotion to the Under-21s, where he can test himself against top young talent, is likely before the season’s end.
Contract uncertainties with Calvert-Lewin and a potential departure for Beto could create openings in Everton’s attacking ranks.
With Graham’s upward trajectory, he could find himself stepping into the first-team picture sooner than expected.
