How did Everton's youngsters help beat Newcastle?
Everton's youngsters played a crucial role in their EFL Cup win against Newcastle, with Hayden Hackney leading the charge. The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined the club from Middlesbrough in the summer for £16.5m, assisted James Garner's opening goal and scored Everton's second with a close-range volley. This performance highlighted the club's younger players stepping up in the absence of key players, such as Jack Grealish, who was dropped from the squad due to an unauthorised absence from training. [1]
The win against Newcastle has secured Everton a quarter-final tie against Fleetwood, and the club's younger players will be crucial in their pursuit of success this season. With seven of the 10 players signed on permanent deals since David Moyes rejoined the club in January 2025 being aged 24 or under, the development and contribution of these players will be vital. Moyes has shown a willingness to back his younger players, with Thierno Barry, a France Under-21 international, being a prime example. Barry has been involved in 15 of Everton's 24 big chances this season, highlighting his importance to the team. [1]
What can be reasonably concluded from Everton's win against Newcastle is that the club's younger players are capable of stepping up and making a significant impact. However, it remains to be seen how they will perform in the quarter-final tie against Fleetwood and in the rest of the season. Will Everton's youngsters be able to continue their good form and help the club achieve success, or will they struggle with the pressure and expectations? [1]
The Rise of Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney's performance against Newcastle in the EFL Cup was instrumental in securing a quarter-final tie against Fleetwood, with the 24-year-old assisting James Garner's opening goal and scoring Everton's second with a close-range volley. As reported by the BBC, Hackney demonstrated his ability to effectively transition into the Premier League, showcasing his confidence in knitting together phases of possession and carrying the ball against a strong Newcastle XI. [1]
The central midfielder's display was praised by Everton boss David Moyes, who noted that while there were bits of Hackney's game that were very good, there were also areas for improvement, such as getting caught on the ball. However, Moyes was pleased with Hackney's attacking play and his ability to get into the box, as well as his goal and assist. As the BBC reported, Moyes is a demanding manager who is prepared to keep young feet on the ground, but he was clearly impressed with Hackney's performance. [1]
What can be reasonably concluded from Hackney's performance is that he has the potential to make a significant impact on the team, and his development and contribution could be crucial in any success Everton achieves this season. With the threadbare nature of the Toffees' squad, the development and contribution of the club's younger players, including Hackney, will be vital. The question remains, however, whether Hackney can maintain his performance level throughout the season and how he will adapt to the demands of the Premier League. [1]
Thierno Barry's Growing Importance
Thierno Barry has become a vital component of Everton's team, featuring in every match this season as the club's sole specialist centre-forward. His involvement in 15 of the team's 24 big chances underscores his importance to their attacking play. Notably, Barry's current goal tally is close to his total from the previous season, achieved despite playing significantly fewer matches, with his contributions being crucial to the team's success. [1]
The development and contribution of younger players like Barry could prove crucial to Everton's success this season, given the threadbare nature of the squad. With seven of the 10 players signed on permanent deals since David Moyes rejoined the club in January 2025 aged 24 or under, the team's reliance on youth is evident. Barry's introduction to elite football has been more pressurised due to Everton's lack of options up front, but he has risen to the challenge, with his goal involvement and overall performance earning praise from the manager. [1]
David Moyes' Approach to Young Players
David Moyes' approach to young players has been a key aspect of Everton's recent success, particularly in the EFL Cup win against Newcastle. As reported by the BBC, Moyes is a demanding manager who is not afraid to keep young feet on the ground, despite their impressive performances. This is evident in his comments about Hayden Hackney's game, where he praised the player's goal and assist but also highlighted areas for improvement. [1]
Moyes' willingness to give young players a chance is also reflected in the fact that seven of the 10 players signed on permanent deals since he rejoined the club in January 2025 are aged 24 or under. This includes players like Thierno Barry, who has been playing regularly despite being just 21 years old. As the BBC notes, Barry is the club's only specialist centre-forward and has been involved in 15 of Everton's 24 big chances this season. [1]
The Future of Everton's Youngsters
As Everton progresses to the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, the team's younger players have shown significant promise, with Hayden Hackney and Thierno Barry being notable examples. Hackney, a £16.5m summer signing from Middlesbrough, demonstrated his influence by assisting James Garner's opening goal and scoring Everton's second goal against Newcastle. This performance highlights the potential of Everton's younger players to make a substantial impact on the team's success. [1]
The development of these younger players is crucial for Everton's success, given the threadbare nature of the squad. With seven of the 10 players signed on permanent deals since David Moyes rejoined the club being aged 24 or under, the team's reliance on young talent is evident. Moyes' willingness to give these players a chance is reflected in his team selection, with Barry being a prime example. The France Under-21 international has started every match and played 918 minutes this season, already scoring seven goals. [1]
What can be reasonably concluded from Everton's recent performance is that the team's younger players have the potential to make a significant impact on the team's success. However, it remains to be seen how these players will perform under pressure and whether they can maintain their current level of performance throughout the season. Will Moyes continue to give these young players a chance, and how will they respond to the challenges of the Premier League? [1]
Published 2 November 2026 · By Sports Culture Desk. Read our editorial standards.
