Everton’s academy is producing footballers. Just not enough at the top level

Harry Diamond argues that Everton's Finch Farm academy is struggling to produce enough footballers capable of competing at the top level, despite teenage midfielder Harrison Armstrong establishing himself as a first-team regular. Diamond points out that although the academy consistently produces professional players across the English football pyramid, very few are becoming regular contributors for Everton or other Premier League teams.

A BBC analysis from the 2025/26 campaign revealed Everton ranked 15th in the Premier League for minutes played by academy graduates, with Armstrong serving as the club's sole representative. Diamond notes that while the club continues to rank well in general productivity metrics, intense Premier League competition and massive spending power have significantly slowed the conveyor belt of homegrown top-flight talent.