Yes, based on much more than a couple of fitness games for our U21s. I don't know why some fans are so adamant that players only began to exist after they signed for Everton
This is also definitely not true when it comes to just one or two games, especially with inconsistent young players. It's one of those things that feels like it obviously should be true but isn't. How many times does a Prem team field a team with loads of Prem regulars against a lower league side in the cup and it looks like there's barely any difference in level for much of the match? Happens all the time, players can very easily go a couple of games without standing out against weaker opposition.