No Grealish, no cry - the rise of Everton's youngsters

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Everton’s younger players are becoming increasingly important to David Moyes’s side as the club looks to build momentum in a season where a cup run could offer its clearest route to silverware. The article focuses on Thursday’s EFL Cup win over Newcastle at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton were without Jack Grealish after he was left out of the squad over what is understood to have been an unauthorised training absence.

In Grealish’s absence, 24-year-old Hayden Hackney stood out with a goal and an assist, while teammates including James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry also contributed. BBC Sport says the broader pattern is notable: Everton have signed several young players under 24 since Moyes returned in January 2025, and the club is using more minutes from younger squad members than last season. The average age of the starting XI has also fallen.

The report highlights Harrison Armstrong, Tyler Dibling, Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl as examples of younger players being trusted in key roles, while noting that experienced figures such as James Tarkowski, Jordan Pickford and Dewsbury-Hall remain vital. More generally, the piece suggests Everton’s squad depth is thin, especially up front, which has forced opportunities for younger players. BBC Sport argues that their development and consistency could be decisive if Everton are to turn a promising season into tangible success.