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Everton Youth Teams Thread

West ham go 2up on the hour - JOHNSON - his 1st ever goal for the u23s,a few mins after we made double sub
Great work from Ngakia, finds Holland and his pull back lands at Johnson's feet, 20 yards out and he pings it bottom corner. Fine strike.

spurs 2-1 up v derby ,with 28 left,been watching this on Derby's website lol
 

Everton u23s end the season with a 2-1 defeat to west ham in a game that was really practice after us winning the league,as it sounds like we took it easy with us playing the Semi Final of The Premier League Cup away to Swansea saturday midday ko, and as said LIVE on Swansea's website.
West ham were relegated with Swansea
 
Bit weird having relegation in under age footy, a few of those players could move to west ham's first team next season, leaving their under 18s who will be stepping up in a worse position.
 

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

The Martinez transfer who is aiming for the top at Everton

EXCLUSIVE: Bassala Sambou spoke to Sam Carroll about Everton, Marco Silva, David Unsworth and his plans for the future
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk


The Martinez transfer who is aiming for the top at Everton
EXCLUSIVE: Bassala Sambou spoke to Sam Carroll about Everton, Marco Silva, David Unsworth and his plans for the future.

Bassala Sambou clutches both hands to his chest and smiles. He leans over the recording device on the table as if to send a message.
And he does. Still on a high from helping Everton lift the Premier League 2against Brighton earlier this month, he hasn't forgotten the atmosphere created by an estimated 7,000 fans inside Goodison Park.

"Maybe we haven’t told you guys enough but your support was amazing,” Sambou says. “We appreciate everything that you guys did for us.
“The Evertonians that came out we appreciate you so much. On behalf of my team-mates I want to say thank you as well.”

I’ve met Sambou at the swanky surroundings of the Hilton Hotel but there is nothing flash about the 21-year-old striker who greets me warmly upon arrival and insists he buys the first drink ahead of our exclusive interview.

“I didn’t actually play for an academy until I was 15-years-old, you know?” Bassala says when we sit down.Really?

“I loved Sunday league and always will,” he continues. “I enjoyed my football and then was lucky enough to go to an academy. I got to enjoy just playing and enjoying the ball and doing what I can do.
“When I got to go to an academy I went in with a lot of confidence and I was quite raw. I picked up a lot of stuff at Coventry so I’m always grateful to the coaches there.”

Sambou was born in Hannover, Germany, before heading to London with his Senegalese parents aged seven after his dad found work in the capital.
The move to Coventry followed shortly after where he grew up and completed school, but the time-line is striking.

Roberto Martinez and David Unsworth moved for Sambou within three years of the powerful front-man playing with his friends in amateur football.
How did he feel, at 18, stepping into Finch Farm for the first time?

“It was crazy, unbelievable,” he says, shaking his head. “I was shocked, surprised.
“The way Roberto and Dave [Unsworth] took me in and I saw Finch Farm for the first time, I was like woah.

“Coventry is a great standard but when you go to Premier League level and you go to Everton and Finch Farm and Roberto Martinez is standing in front of you, it’s like woah.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked and so overwhelmed at the same time. I was so happy to be there and I could see how much they wanted me. I just couldn’t say no.”

And he didn’t. Sambou penned a three-year deal at Goodison Park and went straight into Unsworth’s under-23 side.
He has since lifted two Premier League 2 crowns and established himself as one of youth football’s most dangerous forwards.

Fast, strong, physical and a devastating eye for goal. Sambou’s 11 goals and two assists this term have helped the Blues to another title plus an appearance in the Premier League Cup semis-finals.
“100 per cent this has definitely been my best year,” he adds, smiling broadly. “I feel like I’ve worked hard and I’ve done everything. I feel like I’ve completed it now!

“There’s not much more you can do when you’ve won [the league] twice and become one of the top goal-scorers in the league.
“There’s obviously more I can prove but there’s not much more I can prove in the under-23s. I want to step up again and see the challenge out there for myself.

“I will never know what type of player and what type of person I am until I go out there and do these things.
“I need to play first-team to see where I am in the game. I believe I can do amazing when I go out there but it’s also being given the chance and the opportunity.”

JS119016384.jpg


Bassala Sambou of Everton celebrates with the trophy during the Premier League 2 match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison

Sambou's contract expires this summer and the ECHO understands that Everton are keen to tie the striker down to fresh terms.
The former Coventry man, though, isn’t interested in talking about a potential new deal. "My agent does that and I play the football!” he adds, laughing.

But his football - and his goals - have attracted the attentions of Marco Silva, who has invited the starlet to train with the first-team on occasion.
It’s clear to see the Portuguese boss has made an impression, too.
“It’s great. Marco Silva is an excellent coach,” Sambou continues. “He’ll stop the whole session to make you better.

"That’s what I love about these coaches. They’ll take the time so you know what to do in these situations.
“You really learn to appreciate them much more because they make sure you get it. I really appreciate that.”

Sambou isn’t just enamoured with Silva, either.
After working with Unsworth and Francis Jeffers for the majority of his time at Everton, he is keen to point out the influence they have had on his career, adding: “Dave is one of the best people I’ve ever worked with.

“When he shouts it’s out of love. I know you just have to take everything in because he gives so much information.
“It’s the same with Franny. He’s my striker coach and will tell me little stuff like movement and teach me things he used to do in games to get goals.

“They called him ‘Fox in the Box’ for a reason. I remember watching him train with us and his touch and his movement, you can tell he had something about him back in the day.
“Learning from them two every day has been a blessing. I’m so grateful for them both.”

Sambou is clearly a well-liked member of the dressing room at both U23 and first-team level, forging close bonds with Senegalese stars Oumar Niasse and Idrissa Gana Gueye . "He’s my uncle! That’s what I say to him, you’re my uncle!” he says of the midfielder.

Sambou is self-appointed DJ of the changing room for Unsworth’s side and tells me about discovering Dutch rap music with fellow Everton star Nathangelo Markelo .
He’s also animated when asked about skipper Morgan Feeney.

“Morgan, he’s tough man. I think Scousers are all so passionate!” he says. “They are tough, tough players because they have so much heart. Morgan is a tough lad.”
Feeney lifted the Premier League 2 title at Goodison Park this time around but Sambou has watched Tom Davies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonjoe Kenny move onto first-team football since the triumph in 2017. Does he ever feel a pang of jealousy?

“It’s never been a thing where it’s like he’s there, why am I not there? It’s always a thing of wow, he’s there, one day I’m going to be up there with him,” Sambou replies modestly.

“When you see them do well it makes you want to do well. They want you to do well as well. Everyone encourages each other to do better. No-one ever shows jealousy.

“Especially Dom, Kieran and Tom. We get along so well. If I see them I stop and talk to them all the time. They’re my guys, my brothers. We started together!”

Just over five years ago Sambou was playing local football in Coventry.
Now he’s sat here, talking to me about winning titles and scoring goals for Everton. New deal talks are underway and he is undoubtedly highly-rated by Unsworth and the hierarchy.
But where does he see himself in another half-decade?

“I love Everton,” Sambou reflects. “The team and the fans have accepted me so well and the city is lovely. I appreciate everything that has happened.
“I want to be at the top. As top as I can go, playing Champions League football, possibly national team in the World Cup or African Cup of Nations.
“You never know. Anything can happen in this game but I want to see myself at the top, at the highest point I can ever imagine. I want to push myself as far as I can get.”

And for now?
“First-team is where I want to be,” he adds. “Somewhere playing first-team next season.”
And with that, we’re done. He smiles and extends his hand.
From Sunday league to the top. It’s some dream.
But I wouldn’t bet against the smart, humble and talented Bassala Sambou achieving it.
 
summerisle said:
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

The Martinez transfer who is aiming for the top at Everton

EXCLUSIVE: Bassala Sambou spoke to Sam Carroll about Everton, Marco Silva, David Unsworth and his plans for the future
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk


The Martinez transfer who is aiming for the top at Everton
EXCLUSIVE: Bassala Sambou spoke to Sam Carroll about Everton, Marco Silva, David Unsworth and his plans for the future.

Bassala Sambou clutches both hands to his chest and smiles. He leans over the recording device on the table as if to send a message.
And he does. Still on a high from helping Everton lift the Premier League 2against Brighton earlier this month, he hasn't forgotten the atmosphere created by an estimated 7,000 fans inside Goodison Park.

"Maybe we haven’t told you guys enough but your support was amazing,” Sambou says. “We appreciate everything that you guys did for us.
“The Evertonians that came out we appreciate you so much. On behalf of my team-mates I want to say thank you as well.”

I’ve met Sambou at the swanky surroundings of the Hilton Hotel but there is nothing flash about the 21-year-old striker who greets me warmly upon arrival and insists he buys the first drink ahead of our exclusive interview.

“I didn’t actually play for an academy until I was 15-years-old, you know?” Bassala says when we sit down.Really?

“I loved Sunday league and always will,” he continues. “I enjoyed my football and then was lucky enough to go to an academy. I got to enjoy just playing and enjoying the ball and doing what I can do.
“When I got to go to an academy I went in with a lot of confidence and I was quite raw. I picked up a lot of stuff at Coventry so I’m always grateful to the coaches there.”

Sambou was born in Hannover, Germany, before heading to London with his Senegalese parents aged seven after his dad found work in the capital.
The move to Coventry followed shortly after where he grew up and completed school, but the time-line is striking.

Roberto Martinez and David Unsworth moved for Sambou within three years of the powerful front-man playing with his friends in amateur football.
How did he feel, at 18, stepping into Finch Farm for the first time?

“It was crazy, unbelievable,” he says, shaking his head. “I was shocked, surprised.
“The way Roberto and Dave [Unsworth] took me in and I saw Finch Farm for the first time, I was like woah.

“Coventry is a great standard but when you go to Premier League level and you go to Everton and Finch Farm and Roberto Martinez is standing in front of you, it’s like woah.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked and so overwhelmed at the same time. I was so happy to be there and I could see how much they wanted me. I just couldn’t say no.”

And he didn’t. Sambou penned a three-year deal at Goodison Park and went straight into Unsworth’s under-23 side.
He has since lifted two Premier League 2 crowns and established himself as one of youth football’s most dangerous forwards.

Fast, strong, physical and a devastating eye for goal. Sambou’s 11 goals and two assists this term have helped the Blues to another title plus an appearance in the Premier League Cup semis-finals.
“100 per cent this has definitely been my best year,” he adds, smiling broadly. “I feel like I’ve worked hard and I’ve done everything. I feel like I’ve completed it now!

“There’s not much more you can do when you’ve won [the league] twice and become one of the top goal-scorers in the league.
“There’s obviously more I can prove but there’s not much more I can prove in the under-23s. I want to step up again and see the challenge out there for myself.

“I will never know what type of player and what type of person I am until I go out there and do these things.
“I need to play first-team to see where I am in the game. I believe I can do amazing when I go out there but it’s also being given the chance and the opportunity.”

JS119016384.jpg


Bassala Sambou of Everton celebrates with the trophy during the Premier League 2 match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison

Sambou's contract expires this summer and the ECHO understands that Everton are keen to tie the striker down to fresh terms.
The former Coventry man, though, isn’t interested in talking about a potential new deal. "My agent does that and I play the football!” he adds, laughing.

But his football - and his goals - have attracted the attentions of Marco Silva, who has invited the starlet to train with the first-team on occasion.
It’s clear to see the Portuguese boss has made an impression, too.
“It’s great. Marco Silva is an excellent coach,” Sambou continues. “He’ll stop the whole session to make you better.

"That’s what I love about these coaches. They’ll take the time so you know what to do in these situations.
“You really learn to appreciate them much more because they make sure you get it. I really appreciate that.”

Sambou isn’t just enamoured with Silva, either.
After working with Unsworth and Francis Jeffers for the majority of his time at Everton, he is keen to point out the influence they have had on his career, adding: “Dave is one of the best people I’ve ever worked with.

“When he shouts it’s out of love. I know you just have to take everything in because he gives so much information.
“It’s the same with Franny. He’s my striker coach and will tell me little stuff like movement and teach me things he used to do in games to get goals.

“They called him ‘Fox in the Box’ for a reason. I remember watching him train with us and his touch and his movement, you can tell he had something about him back in the day.
“Learning from them two every day has been a blessing. I’m so grateful for them both.”

Sambou is clearly a well-liked member of the dressing room at both U23 and first-team level, forging close bonds with Senegalese stars Oumar Niasse and Idrissa Gana Gueye . "He’s my uncle! That’s what I say to him, you’re my uncle!” he says of the midfielder.

Sambou is self-appointed DJ of the changing room for Unsworth’s side and tells me about discovering Dutch rap music with fellow Everton star Nathangelo Markelo .
He’s also animated when asked about skipper Morgan Feeney.

“Morgan, he’s tough man. I think Scousers are all so passionate!” he says. “They are tough, tough players because they have so much heart. Morgan is a tough lad.”
Feeney lifted the Premier League 2 title at Goodison Park this time around but Sambou has watched Tom Davies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonjoe Kenny move onto first-team football since the triumph in 2017. Does he ever feel a pang of jealousy?

“It’s never been a thing where it’s like he’s there, why am I not there? It’s always a thing of wow, he’s there, one day I’m going to be up there with him,” Sambou replies modestly.

“When you see them do well it makes you want to do well. They want you to do well as well. Everyone encourages each other to do better. No-one ever shows jealousy.

“Especially Dom, Kieran and Tom. We get along so well. If I see them I stop and talk to them all the time. They’re my guys, my brothers. We started together!”

Just over five years ago Sambou was playing local football in Coventry.
Now he’s sat here, talking to me about winning titles and scoring goals for Everton. New deal talks are underway and he is undoubtedly highly-rated by Unsworth and the hierarchy.
But where does he see himself in another half-decade?

“I love Everton,” Sambou reflects. “The team and the fans have accepted me so well and the city is lovely. I appreciate everything that has happened.
“I want to be at the top. As top as I can go, playing Champions League football, possibly national team in the World Cup or African Cup of Nations.
“You never know. Anything can happen in this game but I want to see myself at the top, at the highest point I can ever imagine. I want to push myself as far as I can get.”

And for now?
“First-team is where I want to be,” he adds. “Somewhere playing first-team next season.”
And with that, we’re done. He smiles and extends his hand.
From Sunday league to the top. It’s some dream.
But I wouldn’t bet against the smart, humble and talented Bassala Sambou achieving it.
Click to expand...

He’s got no chance here.
 
summerisle said:
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

The Martinez transfer who is aiming for the top at Everton

EXCLUSIVE: Bassala Sambou spoke to Sam Carroll about Everton, Marco Silva, David Unsworth and his plans for the future
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk www.liverpoolecho.co.uk


The Martinez transfer who is aiming for the top at Everton
EXCLUSIVE: Bassala Sambou spoke to Sam Carroll about Everton, Marco Silva, David Unsworth and his plans for the future.

Bassala Sambou clutches both hands to his chest and smiles. He leans over the recording device on the table as if to send a message.
And he does. Still on a high from helping Everton lift the Premier League 2against Brighton earlier this month, he hasn't forgotten the atmosphere created by an estimated 7,000 fans inside Goodison Park.

"Maybe we haven’t told you guys enough but your support was amazing,” Sambou says. “We appreciate everything that you guys did for us.
“The Evertonians that came out we appreciate you so much. On behalf of my team-mates I want to say thank you as well.”

I’ve met Sambou at the swanky surroundings of the Hilton Hotel but there is nothing flash about the 21-year-old striker who greets me warmly upon arrival and insists he buys the first drink ahead of our exclusive interview.

“I didn’t actually play for an academy until I was 15-years-old, you know?” Bassala says when we sit down.Really?

“I loved Sunday league and always will,” he continues. “I enjoyed my football and then was lucky enough to go to an academy. I got to enjoy just playing and enjoying the ball and doing what I can do.
“When I got to go to an academy I went in with a lot of confidence and I was quite raw. I picked up a lot of stuff at Coventry so I’m always grateful to the coaches there.”

Sambou was born in Hannover, Germany, before heading to London with his Senegalese parents aged seven after his dad found work in the capital.
The move to Coventry followed shortly after where he grew up and completed school, but the time-line is striking.

Roberto Martinez and David Unsworth moved for Sambou within three years of the powerful front-man playing with his friends in amateur football.
How did he feel, at 18, stepping into Finch Farm for the first time?

“It was crazy, unbelievable,” he says, shaking his head. “I was shocked, surprised.
“The way Roberto and Dave [Unsworth] took me in and I saw Finch Farm for the first time, I was like woah.

“Coventry is a great standard but when you go to Premier League level and you go to Everton and Finch Farm and Roberto Martinez is standing in front of you, it’s like woah.

“I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked and so overwhelmed at the same time. I was so happy to be there and I could see how much they wanted me. I just couldn’t say no.”

And he didn’t. Sambou penned a three-year deal at Goodison Park and went straight into Unsworth’s under-23 side.
He has since lifted two Premier League 2 crowns and established himself as one of youth football’s most dangerous forwards.

Fast, strong, physical and a devastating eye for goal. Sambou’s 11 goals and two assists this term have helped the Blues to another title plus an appearance in the Premier League Cup semis-finals.
“100 per cent this has definitely been my best year,” he adds, smiling broadly. “I feel like I’ve worked hard and I’ve done everything. I feel like I’ve completed it now!

“There’s not much more you can do when you’ve won [the league] twice and become one of the top goal-scorers in the league.
“There’s obviously more I can prove but there’s not much more I can prove in the under-23s. I want to step up again and see the challenge out there for myself.

“I will never know what type of player and what type of person I am until I go out there and do these things.
“I need to play first-team to see where I am in the game. I believe I can do amazing when I go out there but it’s also being given the chance and the opportunity.”

JS119016384.jpg


Bassala Sambou of Everton celebrates with the trophy during the Premier League 2 match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison

Sambou's contract expires this summer and the ECHO understands that Everton are keen to tie the striker down to fresh terms.
The former Coventry man, though, isn’t interested in talking about a potential new deal. "My agent does that and I play the football!” he adds, laughing.

But his football - and his goals - have attracted the attentions of Marco Silva, who has invited the starlet to train with the first-team on occasion.
It’s clear to see the Portuguese boss has made an impression, too.
“It’s great. Marco Silva is an excellent coach,” Sambou continues. “He’ll stop the whole session to make you better.

"That’s what I love about these coaches. They’ll take the time so you know what to do in these situations.
“You really learn to appreciate them much more because they make sure you get it. I really appreciate that.”

Sambou isn’t just enamoured with Silva, either.
After working with Unsworth and Francis Jeffers for the majority of his time at Everton, he is keen to point out the influence they have had on his career, adding: “Dave is one of the best people I’ve ever worked with.

“When he shouts it’s out of love. I know you just have to take everything in because he gives so much information.
“It’s the same with Franny. He’s my striker coach and will tell me little stuff like movement and teach me things he used to do in games to get goals.

“They called him ‘Fox in the Box’ for a reason. I remember watching him train with us and his touch and his movement, you can tell he had something about him back in the day.
“Learning from them two every day has been a blessing. I’m so grateful for them both.”

Sambou is clearly a well-liked member of the dressing room at both U23 and first-team level, forging close bonds with Senegalese stars Oumar Niasse and Idrissa Gana Gueye . "He’s my uncle! That’s what I say to him, you’re my uncle!” he says of the midfielder.

Sambou is self-appointed DJ of the changing room for Unsworth’s side and tells me about discovering Dutch rap music with fellow Everton star Nathangelo Markelo .
He’s also animated when asked about skipper Morgan Feeney.

“Morgan, he’s tough man. I think Scousers are all so passionate!” he says. “They are tough, tough players because they have so much heart. Morgan is a tough lad.”
Feeney lifted the Premier League 2 title at Goodison Park this time around but Sambou has watched Tom Davies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonjoe Kenny move onto first-team football since the triumph in 2017. Does he ever feel a pang of jealousy?

“It’s never been a thing where it’s like he’s there, why am I not there? It’s always a thing of wow, he’s there, one day I’m going to be up there with him,” Sambou replies modestly.

“When you see them do well it makes you want to do well. They want you to do well as well. Everyone encourages each other to do better. No-one ever shows jealousy.

“Especially Dom, Kieran and Tom. We get along so well. If I see them I stop and talk to them all the time. They’re my guys, my brothers. We started together!”

Just over five years ago Sambou was playing local football in Coventry.
Now he’s sat here, talking to me about winning titles and scoring goals for Everton. New deal talks are underway and he is undoubtedly highly-rated by Unsworth and the hierarchy.
But where does he see himself in another half-decade?

“I love Everton,” Sambou reflects. “The team and the fans have accepted me so well and the city is lovely. I appreciate everything that has happened.
“I want to be at the top. As top as I can go, playing Champions League football, possibly national team in the World Cup or African Cup of Nations.
“You never know. Anything can happen in this game but I want to see myself at the top, at the highest point I can ever imagine. I want to push myself as far as I can get.”

And for now?
“First-team is where I want to be,” he adds. “Somewhere playing first-team next season.”
And with that, we’re done. He smiles and extends his hand.
From Sunday league to the top. It’s some dream.
But I wouldn’t bet against the smart, humble and talented Bassala Sambou achieving it.
Click to expand...

....lovely insight into the lad and the club, thanks for posting.

I understand the club wants to protect youngsters, but it’s a shame we don’t have more of these from established U23 players. From what i’ve seen of Sambou he’s very ‘hit and miss’, he can score outstanding goals and also look very raw. If there is a new contract, it’s probably lots to do with protecting the investment made and looking for a return.
 

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