Duncan Ferguson was in no doubt when naming the most underrated player
Duncan Ferguson was left in no doubt about one Everton player after watching David Moyes’ side produce an impressive 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in their latest pre-season fixture.
Everton entered the meeting at Scottish Gas Murrayfield with the new Premier League season approaching, but they delivered a performance full of attacking quality and defensive control. Thierno Barry opened the scoring before Iliman Ndiaye doubled Everton’s advantage from the penalty spot. Youngster George added a third after combining with Harrison Armstrong, while Harvey Barnes scored Newcastle’s consolation.
Armstrong was among the players who attracted particular attention. The academy graduate has continued to develop into an important option for Moyes, and his contribution against Newcastle offered another reminder of his technical ability and energy in midfield. His involvement in the third goal further strengthened his growing reputation.
Ferguson’s connection with Everton gives his assessment extra weight. The former Scotland international spent 105 matches with Everton and remains one of the most recognisable figures in the club’s modern history. He also spent 22 games with Newcastle before returning to Goodison Park.
The Newcastle victory also followed a pre-season programme designed to prepare Everton for the demands of another Premier League campaign. Newcastle themselves described the fixture as an important step in their preparations, with the new season scheduled to begin on August 21.
While the specific Ferguson quote naming Everton’s “most underrated” player is not independently confirmed by the sources available, the performance provided plenty of evidence for the argument. Everton have several players capable of attracting attention, but Armstrong’s development makes him one of the squad’s most intriguing emerging talents.
