Everton Youth Teams Thread

[Eggs]

He's 16

…he played in one or two of the televised games last season when only a schoolboy and looked like he had physicality and quality. I understand he’s played as a left sided CB for his England age group.

The indication was he was not going to sign a professional deal with us because of the interest from other clubs, so it was a bit of a surprise to see him in the list when the season started.

 

[Nymzee]

…he played in one or two of the televised games last season when only a schoolboy and looked like he had physicality and quality. I understand he’s played as a left sided CB for his England age group.

The indication was he was not going to sign a professional deal with us because of the interest from other clubs, so it was a bit of a surprise to see him in the list when the season started.

Playing CB for the U18's so far.

 

[Eggs]

Playing CB for the U18's so far.

…yep, bit surprised he’s not started for U21s but he’s already training with the first team which could be an indicator of how highly he’s rated.

Time will tell, but one to watch as the season develops.

 

[Nymzee]

…yep, bit surprised he’s not started for U21s but he’s already training with the first team which could be an indicator of how highly he’s rated.

Time will tell, but one to watch as the season develops.

Guess they're just making all CB's in both age groups are getting minutes.

 

[Eggs]

Guess they're just making all CB's in both age groups are getting minutes.

…I’d be surprised if the plans aren’t for him to progress at LB, I suppose being the age he is much will depend on how his physicality changes in the next 18 months or so.

He’s at an age where he has to be monitored because he’s still growing. It might explain his lack of game time for U21s, I remember Gerrard not playing much football at all for the Reds when he was going through a growth spurt.

 

[Nymzee]

…I’d be surprised if the plans aren’t for him to progress at LB, I suppose being the age he is much will depend on how his physicality changes in the next 18 months or so.

He’s at an age where he has to be monitored because he’s still growing. It might explain his lack of game time for U21s, I remember Gerrard not playing much football at all for the Reds when he was going through a growth spurt.

But if you move him up at 16, you’re effectively keeping around a Joe Anderson or Hunt for no reason. Why rush him, let them all have minutes. He doesn’t turn 17 for another 10 months.

 

[Eggs]

But if you move him up at 16, you’re effectively keeping around a Joe Anderson or Hunt for no reason. Why rush him, let them all have minutes. He doesn’t turn 17 for another 10 months.

….he should play at a level where he’s capable of playing. Those older than him shouldn’t block his progress because of age. Things often become too comfortable in your own age group for better footballers.

 

[Nymzee]

….he should play at a level where he’s capable of playing. Those older than him shouldn’t block his progress because of age. Things often become too comfortable in your own age group for better footballers.

He's not even in his own age group now.

 

[Eggs]

He's not even in his own age group now.

…but he‘s with his first year teammates and played a number of games last season in the oldest age group as a schoolboy & (I think) he was in the FA Youth Cup team.

I’m sure they are looking after his best interest but if he’s as talented as I hope, you can’t hold pkayers like that back. I imagine he’ll be an U21 regular for the 2nd half of the season.

Time will tell.

 

[EFC_FRANCIS]

He's not even in his own age group now.

Since he's a scholar he is technically at his level at U18. I hope he spends till Jan in the 18s at centre half then we can look to move him up. Whilst he looks a very good prospect and theyre completely different players, he doesn't look close to Small in how developed he is for his age. Think people may be going slightly OTT with their expectations atm

 

[blueloon]

He's not even in his own age group now.

He is though isn’t he, he’s an u18 playing for the u18s, which is fine for a wee while as he adjusts to full time training, but we usually start moving such prospects up sooner rather than later .

 

[EFC_FRANCIS]

We are fielding a U17 team against Liverpool today* funnily enough in the PL Cup. Should be all the first year scholars, good chance for Jensen and the others who've not had much time yet in the 18s.

* could be tomorrow as Liverpool are also playing Ajax today

 

[blueloon]

Since he's a scholar he is technically at his level at U18. I hope he spends till Jan in the 18s at centre half then we can look to move him up. Whilst he looks a very good prospect and theyre completely different players, he doesn't look close to Small in how developed he is for his age. Think people may be going slightly OTT with their expectations atm

Do you mean Small being much more physically developed at the same age , which is true in terms of upper body strength.
You’re right to temper expectations and it’s all just opinions, but the full games I’ve seen him, Youth Cup, England u16 and u17, he’s looked far better than Small at the same age in terms of his composure and maturity.

 

[EFC_FRANCIS]

Do you mean Small being much more physically developed at the same age , which is true in terms of upper body strength.
You’re right to temper expectations and it’s all just opinions, but the full games I’ve seen him, Youth Cup, England u16 and u17, he’s looked far better than Small at the same age in terms of his composure and maturity.

Physically yes, Small was much more built out and athletic. Small also had an easier role to break in with being basically a flying wing back but had all the tools to physically do it, I'm not sure ISS is physically at that level to be playing U21s yet.

 

[Nymzee]

He is though isn’t he, he’s an u18 playing for the u18s, which is fine for a wee while as he adjusts to full time training, but we usually start moving such prospects up sooner rather than later .

We don't have an U16's team anymore?