Everton could have their next Rooney in “deadly” record-breaking 16 y/o academy star – opinion

Everton could have their next Wayne Rooney coming through the academy with Braiden Graham, the highly-rated striker making a scene in the world of football.

   Rooney made his mark aged 16 when he curled past David Seaman at Goodison Park against Arsenal as Clive Tyldesley famously shouted “Remember the name Wayne Rooney” as the young forward rolled away to celebrate.    The Evertonians at the stadium knew they had a superstar and have been waiting ever since for the next academy product to become a world class player.

   The likes of Anthony Gordon, Ross Barkley and Tom Davies have since become first-team regulars, but none have set the world on fire quite like Rooney.

   Graham could be Everton’s next Rooney
   The 16-year-old is the record holder

   At just 15, Graham became the youngest player in history to play for Linfield in Northern Ireland before later signing for Everton when he turned 16.  Although Graham differs from Rooney in not coming through Everton’s academy at a young age, Graham is making an impact at youth level and the Merseyside outfit will be hoping he can develop into something special.

   Graham was recently named Everton’s best first-year talent by The Guardian after an impressive first few months at the club.    The youngster scored on his debut in the U18 league and provided an assist in a 2-1 win.    During the K-League International Youth Cup in September, Graham scored twice against Espanyol before netting another against Shandong, taking his tally to eight goals in six games in that time.

   The young star certainly has big shoes to fill if he wants to follow in the footsteps of Rooney, who left Everton early in his career.    The England international earned the Toffees a hefty sum of money in that time, so if they can develop Graham into a player who can be sold for a similar sum, they’ve done something right.

   It’s still early days for the Northern Ireland youth international, who is still only 16, but after an impressive start with the U18s, the next step will hopefully be a move to the U21s ahead of a possible loan in the future.    Although it was a blow for Linfield, Everton were smart to offload the highly-rated youngster.

   Linfield boss praises Braiden Graham

   He made his debut as a 15-year-old

   Former Manchester United striker and Linfield manager David Healy spoke about Graham after the young forward made his debut at 15.   Healy described Graham as a “lethal finisher” who has a “good future” ahead of him…

   “He’s brave and he’s ‘goal, goal, goal’, gets in and around and is a deadly finisher. The only surprise was probably that he didn’t achieve anything in the short time he was on the pitch. He’ll get all the help and  tips and coaching points that we and I can offer him as a former center.He is a sponge, wants to learn and has a bright future ahead of him.

   Healy, a former striker himself, will be able to give him the advice he needs, especially given his experience as a young professional.    The 45-year-old came through Manchester United’s academy before playing for the senior team.