Everton legend Anders Limpar believes the club need more players like Harrison Armstrong emerging from their academy system after the teenager enjoyed a breakthrough season under David Moyes.
Armstrong was the only Scouser in Everton's first-team squad during the 2025/26 campaign and has quickly established himself as one of the club's brightest young prospects.
The midfielder's progress has impressed supporters and former players alike, with Limpar convinced Everton must continue investing in local talent.
Harrison Armstrong's breakthrough season
The 19-year-old returned to Goodison Park in January after Everton cut short his loan spell at Preston North End.
From that point, Armstrong became an increasingly important part of Moyes' plans, making 12 first-team appearances during the second half of the season.
The midfielder's performances earned him Everton's Young Player of the Season award and further strengthened hopes that he can become a long-term fixture in the first team.
Born in West Derby, Armstrong has now made 18 senior appearances for the club and continues a tradition of local academy graduates making their mark at Everton.
Limpar wants more local players
Speaking about Armstrong’s emergence, former Everton winger Anders Limpar stressed the importance of developing players from the Liverpool area.
The Swedish FA Cup winner believes local players possess a unique understanding of what it means to represent the club.
“We need hard-grafting, good players from the Liverpool area, who know the system. It’s different if you come from abroad and have to cope with the Scousers and the system.” — Anders Limpar
Limpar was part of Joe Royle’s famous 1995 FA Cup-winning side and played alongside several local players during one of Everton’s most memorable modern eras.
Academy pathway praised
The former winger also praised Everton’s commitment to promoting talent from within.
“Everton are doing a great thing looking at the academy players coming up, that’s a positive.” — Anders Limpar
The club has a proud history of producing academy graduates who have gone on to become key first-team players.
Armstrong follows a pathway previously taken by figures such as Wayne Rooney, Ross Barkley, Anthony Gordon and Tom Davies.
Those players became fan favourites not only because of their ability, but because of their connection to the city and understanding of the club’s culture.
Local identity remains important
Limpar believes that connection remains a crucial part of Everton’s identity.
Having spent time at the club himself, the former Sweden international highlighted the unique character of football in Merseyside.
“You have to know your area, and the Liverpool area, even if you play for Everton or Liverpool, it’s special.” — Anders Limpar
As Everton prepare for a new chapter under Moyes, Armstrong’s emergence offers supporters hope that more local talent could follow.
Key Points
- Harrison Armstrong was Everton's only Scouser in the first-team squad this season.
- The midfielder made 12 appearances after returning from Preston North End.
- Armstrong won Everton's Young Player of the Season award.
- Anders Limpar believes Everton need more local players.
- The former winger praised the club's academy pathway.
- Armstrong has made 18 senior appearances for the Blues.
What's next?
Armstrong is expected to play a larger role under David Moyes next season after an impressive breakthrough campaign. Everton's recruitment plans may bring new faces to the club, but Limpar believes maintaining a strong local core remains essential.
If Armstrong continues his current trajectory, he could become the latest academy graduate to establish himself as a key figure for the Blues and perhaps inspire the next generation of local talent.
Should Everton prioritise developing more academy graduates, or focus on experienced signings to accelerate progress under David Moyes?
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