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Everton Youth Teams Thread

catcherintherye said:
I do think physique is important with younger centre backs. The lads with a huge physique tend to have what it takes to make it. Either that or you have to be very good on the ball. But even Holgate who is that was badly exposed in the last 2 games.

Fennel looks technically and positionally very good. However centre forwards would really fancy a chance at him. I'm sure when he's 22 and fully matured physically (or closer to it) he will be a good defender, but as always not sure he will wait that long or whether playing reserves football for 3 years will help him more than playing league football.
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...I agree. Feeney reminds me of Peter Clarke who was always compared to Dave Watson. Clarke didn’t quite have that size and power, yet he played until recently in the rough and physicality of the lower leagues. A bit of a contradiction in terms.

I still think Gibson is the best we have. He’s got bulk, he’s got attitude and he’s got quality but it would be good if he grew a few inches in the next 12 months. It’s still a long shot to say Gibson will be an Everton first teamer but I just think he’s got something about him.
 
Eggs said:
...I agree. Feeney reminds me of Peter Clarke who was always compared to Dave Watson. Clarke didn’t quite have that size and power, yet he played until recently in the rough and physicality of the lower leagues. A bit of a contradiction in terms.

I still think Gibson is the best we have. He’s got bulk, he’s got attitude and he’s got quality but it would be good if he grew a few inches in the next 12 months. It’s still a long shot to say Gibson will be an Everton first teamer but I just think he’s got something about him.
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Gibson highlights the discussion on height and power. As you say, he looks to have bulk and a reasonable size, particularly when playing for our U23s alongside Feeney. Just before we signed him he was playing left back for England U17s. Although at the time he played centre back for Newcastle, the two CBs in the England side were bigger. Then a third big centre back came along, so they played one of them, Panzo then of Chelsea, at left back in that World Cup Final they won. It’s a bit scary that someone like Gibson, not long turned 18, with a lot of skill and power has fallen behind already to bigger players. Hopefully , just a minor setback and once back from injury he will continue his progress.
 
blueloon said:
Gibson highlights the discussion on height and power. As you say, he looks to have bulk and a reasonable size, particularly when playing for our U23s alongside Feeney. Just before we signed him he was playing left back for England U17s. Although at the time he played centre back for Newcastle, the two CBs in the England side were bigger. Then a third big centre back came along, so they played one of them, Panzo then of Chelsea, at left back in that World Cup Final they won. It’s a bit scary that someone like Gibson, not long turned 18, with a lot of skill and power has fallen behind already to bigger players. Hopefully , just a minor setback and once back from injury he will continue his progress.
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Hopefully at 18 he will get the chance to fully utilise the gym and be allowed to bulk up
I know a lot of physios will caution against teenagers bulking up too quickly and too young
It puts a lot of strain on a still growing skeleton and muscle and ligaments
 

Brisan123 said:
Hopefully at 18 he will get the chance to fully utilise the gym and be allowed to bulk up
I know a lot of physios will caution against teenagers bulking up too quickly and too young
It puts a lot of strain on a still growing skeleton and muscle and ligaments
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..Gibson looks like he’s a naturally bulky lad to me, Bri, so I have no fears on that score. I posted a while ago he looks a Kevin Beattie, barrel chested type. I think his height is the issue that informed debate on whether he might ultimately be a LB. saying that, he’s by no means small.
 
Nymzee said:
Ryan Astley
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Beat me too it ! I’ve nailed my colours firmly to the 16 year old Astley’s mast - based on an impressive performance on one screened u23 game! Little things stood out , his composure ability on the ball , good tackle, good in air. Has leadership quaities too, when Gibson who was captain was ushering the defence out Astley ignored him , hung back and shouted for the GK to roll the ball to him , and he played it out from defence. I liked that . But only 16, long way to go .
 
blueloon said:
Beat me too it ! I’ve nailed my colours firmly to the 16 year old Astley’s mast - based on an impressive performance on one screened u23 game! Little things stood out , his composure ability on the ball , good tackle, good in air. Has leadership quaities too, when Gibson who was captain was ushering the defence out Astley ignored him , hung back and shouted for the GK to roll the ball to him , and he played it out from defence. I liked that . But only 16, long way to go .
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Yeh we’re right to be excited and right to be wary of bigging up the players. Ideally next season I’d like him starting for the U23’s despite his age and have Feeney and/or Gibson in the first team squad or out on loan.
 

Nymzee said:
Yeh we’re right to be excited and right to be wary of bigging up the players. Ideally next season I’d like him starting for the U23’s despite his age and have Feeney and/or Gibson in the first team squad or out on loan.
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A few years back I started watching local semi professional football, it’s been very enjoyable picking out the unknown players with skill, finding out who they are , concentrating as you don’t get a second look etc. Watching our Youth teams is the same , seeing new players, trying to pick out those with promise at an early age, and yes getting excited within the perspective of their age and just how far they still have to go. In many ways our discussions on young players in here is as interesting as say the Richarlison thread, easily our most exciting player but everyone knows that .
I’m hoping that loan moves after Christmas will see Astley as a regular U23s starter so we can have a proper, longer look at him.
 
Eggs said:
..Gibson looks like he’s a naturally bulky lad to me, Bri, so I have no fears on that score. I posted a while ago he looks a Kevin Beattie, barrel chested type. I think his height is the issue that informed debate on whether he might ultimately be a LB. saying that, he’s by no means small.
Click to expand...
I’m not sure how tall Gibson is. And it’s not easy to find out. But I posted this last season after the mini derby.

It kicked off with Hornby and he came over to calm him down and they looked similar in height and Hornby looks a tall lad
 
Stephenlloyd said:
I’m not sure how tall Gibson is. And it’s not easy to find out. But I posted this last season after the mini derby.

It kicked off with Hornby and he came over to calm him down and they looked similar in height and Hornby looks a tall lad
Click to expand...

Think Hornby is maybe upwards of 6’2”? At Gibson’s age though he’ll still be growing but he’s at least 6ft I reckon now.
 
blueloon said:
A few years back I started watching local semi professional football, it’s been very enjoyable picking out the unknown players with skill, finding out who they are , concentrating as you don’t get a second look etc. Watching our Youth teams is the same , seeing new players, trying to pick out those with promise at an early age, and yes getting excited within the perspective of their age and just how far they still have to go. In many ways our discussions on young players in here is as interesting as say the Richarlison thread, easily our most exciting player but everyone knows that .
I’m hoping that loan moves after Christmas will see Astley as a regular U23s starter so we can have a proper, longer look at him.
Click to expand...

..it’s funny isn’t it, they might not do anything outstanding or play very well but sometimes a player just looks right.

I was a regular ‘watcher’ at Bellefield for many years and it took no more than 5mins to pick Rooney out. He didn’t do anything in particular. I went home and sent my mate in Australia an e-mail saying i’ve seen something very special and his name is Wayne Rooney. It was obvious.
 

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