Everton's young core steps up as Grealish absence looms before Newcastle rematch
Everton's EFL Cup win over Newcastle, achieved without dropped Jack Grealish, highlighted the growing influence of young players like Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry, and statistics show a clear shift toward youth under David Moyes.
Everton advanced to the EFL Cup quarter-finals with a victory over Newcastle on Thursday, a result that came after Jack Grealish was dropped from the squad over an unauthorised absence from training. The disruption threatened to overshadow a competition that represents Everton's best hope of ending a 31-year trophy drought. Instead, the club's younger players delivered, with Hayden Hackney, a £16.5m summer signing from Middlesbrough, assisting James Garner's opener and scoring the second.
Hackney, 24, had started only the season opener and a third-round cup tie before Thursday, but his performance against a strong Newcastle side showcased the composure that earned him Championship player of the year last season. Manager David Moyes offered measured praise, noting parts of his game were very good while pointing out areas for improvement. Thierno Barry, the club's only specialist centre-forward, provided the assist for Hackney's goal and has shouldered a heavy load, playing 918 minutes and scoring seven goals, already one shy of last season's total despite 30 fewer matches.
The reliance on youth is not confined to cup ties. Everton's average Premier League starting XI has dropped to 26 years and 216 days, almost 18 months younger than last season. Players aged 24 or under are accounting for a much higher share of league minutes, and Moyes has already used 22 players in the Premier League this term, matching last season's total. Under-21 players have amassed 1,206 minutes, surpassing the 1,088 they recorded in 2025-26.
Teenager Harrison Armstrong has started every league match, while Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George, both 20, are increasingly involved. George scored his first Everton goal in September and won possession for the opening goal against Newcastle. Merlin Rohl, 24, has filled in at right-back, and Barry's integration has been accelerated by a lack of attacking alternatives. The permanent signings since Moyes returned in January 2025 reflect a clear recruitment shift, with seven of ten aged 24 or under.
Moyes refused to reveal whether Grealish would return for Monday's rematch at St James' Park, but the manager still values experience. James Tarkowski, Jordan Pickford and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall remain key figures. Supporters, meanwhile, have taken to social media to express cautious optimism about the youthful direction, though some remain wary of over-relying on unproven talents. A repeat result against Newcastle would further underline the growing influence of Everton's young core.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
