Everton Youth Teams Thread

[blueloon]

It is harsh as he can't help his physicality, but in comparison to Stones (who had a similar dilemma) I felt Stones adapted to use his brain to make up for a lack of physique.

This question of physique regularly comes up and I've almost posted this a couple of times but its a bit periphery to what we usually discuss and difficult to make my point properly, but here goes.

I follow Welsh rugby passionately and have seen a large number of U18/u20 international games over the years. What strikes you immediately when you see them run out is the physique they have developed at a young age. Forget about the huge forwards, I'm talking particularly about the skillful, traditionally slight back players like the outside half and scrum half. Its a sad fact in a way that if they didn't develop physically they wouldn't make it in the modern game. I'm not talking about huge muscles here, but young backs work hard in the gym on this aspect as its part of their game. Yet they lose nothing of the pace , sidestep , skill etc. Perhaps the best examples people may be familiar with are Shane Williams and Bryan Habana, two of the fastest , skillful wings in rugby over the past decade, small guys who developed their physiques to survive without detriment to their natural skills.

Unsy, maybe Martinez, commented on Dowell's return from injury that he'd used the time to work on his physicality and you can detect a change all be it slight. Football has completely different requirements than rugby and I wouldn't advocate that we go down that route. But rugby has shown it is possible to improve the physique of youngsters at a young age without it being detrimental to them or other aspects of their skill set. It frustrates me when we worry about about the likes of Galloway, Kenny etc because they appear physically slight. We can't turn them into man mountains but the days of giving youngsters raw eggs, sherry and steaks to build them up are long gone. . There was a mention last night of Unsy using gym work in his preparations so I'm happy to admit they know more than I do , I'm no physiologist, and I'm sure this is part of their development work. My point is a simple one , with modern sports science we shouldn't lose a single talented youngster because they are deemed to be physically too slight.

 

[catcherintherye]

This question of physique regularly comes up and I've almost posted this a couple of times but its a bit periphery to what we usually discuss and difficult to make my point properly, but here goes.

I follow Welsh rugby passionately and have seen a large number of U18/u20 international games over the years. What strikes you immediately when you see them run out is the physique they have developed at a young age. Forget about the huge forwards, I'm talking particularly about the skillful, traditionally slight back players like the outside half and scrum half. Its a sad fact in a way that if they didn't develop physically they wouldn't make it in the modern game. I'm not talking about huge muscles here, but young backs work hard in the gym on this aspect as its part of their game. Yet they lose nothing of the pace , sidestep , skill etc. Perhaps the best examples people may be familiar with are Shane Williams and Bryan Habana, two of the fastest , skillful wings in rugby over the past decade, small guys who developed their physiques to survive without detriment to their natural skills.

Unsy, maybe Martinez, commented on Dowell's return from injury that he'd used the time to work on his physicality and you can detect a change all be it slight. Football has completely different requirements than rugby and I wouldn't advocate that we go down that route. But rugby has shown it is possible to improve the physique of youngsters at a young age without it being detrimental to them or other aspects of their skill set. It frustrates me when we worry about about the likes of Galloway, Kenny etc because they appear physically slight. We can't turn them into man mountains but the days of giving youngsters raw eggs, sherry and steaks to build them up are long gone. . There was a mention last night of Unsy using gym work in his preparations so I'm happy to admit they know more than I do , I'm no physiologist, and I'm sure this is part of their development work. My point is a simple one , with modern sports science we shouldn't lose a single talented youngster because they are deemed to be physically too slight.

Yes there is a lot in that. You are right that particularly Wales have been very good at developing physicality of players. There is little doubt players can develop physically and not only that are increasingly expected too. You are right about Dowell too, he looks a lot bigger than last time pre injury and that will serve him well.

We should also acknowledge that often little players who don't develop at all can be very good, Paul Scholes couldn't run and had Asthma, Messi was tiny. We should avoid having an approach whereby people are judged on being 6 ft plus (which I know is kind of your point).

There does have to be some acknowledgement though that certain players have an advantage in terms of physicality. I look at Calumn Lees in the under 18's and his physicality will always give him a much better canvass to start working on over say James Yates. The same is true Yarney. It is a factor, but shouldn't be the only factor.

I agree Galloway can and will fill out. That was the big difference between him (and Holgate) compared to Pennington. Pennington has really filled out and looks ready for men's football. My point is not to write him off forever but to say at present he looks a bit off the level that is required to me. He needs to go and do more work in the gym as he wasn't competitive last night with the sort of players he will need to be if he wants to be a regular left back.

 

[MrPerfectNot]

Opening games for Dallas Cup (times are all US Central Daylight Savings Time, 6 hrs off BST, I think):
Sunday, March 20
12:30pm Fluminense (BRA) vs. FC Dallas Academy (USA)
3:00pm Everton (ENG) vs. Tigres UNAL (MEX)
5:00pm Welcome World - Opening Ceremonies
6:30pm U.S. U20 Men's National Team (USA) vs. Monterrey Rayados (MEX)

 

[atrottel]

This question of physique regularly comes up and I've almost posted this a couple of times but its a bit periphery to what we usually discuss and difficult to make my point properly, but here goes.

I've wondered, with the discussion about innovative training methods, if anyone at any club does any work with martial arts or judo training.

If you look at how players, especially forwards, can 'turn' someone when they are close, it would seem that this is a body movement skill. Even with Barkley and Stones, when you see them shift their weight or direction, it would appear that these are movements which could be implemented or improved by using certain techniques. Especially with the grappling and arms across the body being common these days. I'm not a big martial arts expert myself - just done a bit of yoga, climbing and pilates - but would be interested if anyone who is into it would like to comment.

 

[blueloon]

Nathan Broadhead scores Wales's 3rd goal in their u19'win v Czechs. Ryan Harrington started too, only 17 so another year at this level for him.

WALES U19 3-2 CZECH REPUBLIC U19
Men's Under-19 friendly
8th March 2016
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cync

Manager Geraint Williams praised his players as Wales edged a five-goal thriller in the first of two friendlies against the Czech Republic.

Head coach Pavel Hoftych brought his Czech Republic side to Wales in preparation for the UEFA Elite round of fixtures scheduled to take place later this month following a successful qualification in which the side achieved a perfect record. Scoring 10 goals in their three qualifying games, the Czech Republic topped Group 12, and will be desperate to reach the Under-19 finals for the first time since 2010/11.

Geraint Williams' side were without the services of Manchester United defender Regan Poole for this international friendly at Cyncoed due to UEFA Europa League commitments with his club, a clear sign of the progress being made within the Welsh football pathway. However, on a wet afternoon, attentions quickly turned to the other end of the field, as Mark Harris opened the scoring for the home side with a well-taken side-footed finish inside the far post after just two minutes.

Nathan Broadhead and Rhys Abbruzzese both came close to increasing the lead as the physically strong Czech defence struggled to handle the pace of the Welsh forward line. However, the diminutive Michal Hlavaty had the visitors best two chances, but could only head wide after his earleir effort was saved by Kelland Absalom. However, Wales increased their lead on 21 minutes in style when Elijah Chilekwa calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Jan Ctvrtecka, and it was no more than the home side deserved.

Mario Telnar reduced the deficit on 29 minutes, as with Wales captain Jack Challis off the field, the impressive star of the Czech side rose to head the ball past Absalom from a well-placed free-kick. The Czech Republic had a penalty appeal dismissed by referee Dean John on 33 minutes when Jack Evans appeared to bring down captain Daniel Kostl, but Wales restored their two goal advantage on 39 minutes when Broadhead placed the ball past Ctvrtecka and into the top corner of the net in the last action of the opening half.

On 57 minutes Antonin Vanicek fired a free-kick over Absalom's bar in one of the visitors few efforts on goal, before Mark Harris came close to scoring his second goal of the game on 63 minutes, but his close range effort was blocked. The Czech Republic brought themselves right
nicek fired a free-kick over Absalom's bar in one of the visitors few efforts on goal, before Mark Harris came close to scoring his second goal of the game on 63 minutes, but his close range effort was blocked. The Czech Republic brought themselves right back into the match on 69 minutes when Telnar scored his second header of the game, and the contest became an increasingly nervous one for Wales as a number of substitutions interrupted the flow of the game.

However, Wales held on for victory ahead the two sides meeting again on Thursday (11am), much to the delight of manager Geraint Williams, who said: “The performance was the most important thing as this is all preparation for next years qualifiers.

"We're putting things in place and it was good to see a number of things that we've worked over the last two days come through today. The goals we scored were absolutely fantastic. It was disappointing to concede the first goal as our centre-half was off the field, but it happens, and to be fair to the boys they got on with it. The third goal we scored showed a lot of maturity in our build-up play and it was a fantastic finish..”

WALES: Absalom, Coxe, Abbruzzese, Ovenden, Challis (c), Leak, Chilekwa, Evans, Broadhead, Harrington, Harris.
Subs: R.Williams, J.Davies, Welch, S.Williams, Lewis, Smith, B.Davies.
Goals: Harris (2), Chilekwa (21), Broadhead (39)

CZECH REPUBLIC: Ctvrtecka, Smekal, Telnar, Holik, Kostl (c), Marecek, Rychnovsky, Kral, Hlavaty, Haitl, Vanicek.
Subs: Plachy, Tischler, Miker, Muzik, Rezek, Breda, Rychliy.

 

[blueloon]

For those of us always trying to identify our youngsters from grainy tv clips with no commentary, I believe Harrington is 2nd from left having grown a beard, Broadhead is 6th from left

 

[desertfox]

he should have been playing centre back last night, i can understand him playing out of position as cover in the first team but if hes going to be a centre back long term he should be playing there for this group.

Have you seen him play centre back, though? IMHO not a centre back. I have a view that some clubs push young midfielders into centre back slots because they are tall and then tout them as ball playing CB. Except they are not great at defending and want to be upfield...

 

[Timak]

For those of us always trying to identify our youngsters from grainy tv clips with no commentary, I believe Harrington is 2nd from left having grown a beard, Broadhead is 6th from left

What position does Harrington play nowadays. I remember him as a centre back a year or two ago?

 

[bluebrotha77]

Have you seen him play centre back, though? IMHO not a centre back. I have a view that some clubs push young midfielders into centre back slots because they are tall and then tout them as ball playing CB. Except they are not great at defending and want to be upfield...

He isn't a midfielder anyway because he gets a nosebleed anytime he goes past the half way linehard to know with him.solid enough full back but offers nothing going forward and you would imagine if he was being being thought of as a centre half he would have to fill out a bit.

 

[blueblue]

Broadhead is also sixth from right in picture above.

 

[blueloon]

What position does Harrington play nowadays. I remember him as a centre back a year or two ago?

We really need someone who sees these games regularly to say specifically, but he appears to have been playing midfield/defensive midfield in the last 3 games of the North League. That's based upon the team sheet showing 4 usual suspects for defenders and 4 usual suspects for attackers/ attacking mids leaving Harrington presumably playing in a DFM two with Kiersey or Baningime or maybe a mid 3. It was interesting that Harrington was a regular on the bench for most of the first half of the season, but it looks like he's got his chance/developed a bit more in the past few months with the loan moves also helping create spots for others as people move up or out e.g. Davies and Walsh.

 

[Eggs]

This question of physique regularly comes up and I've almost posted this a couple of times but its a bit periphery to what we usually discuss and difficult to make my point properly, but here goes.

I follow Welsh rugby passionately and have seen a large number of U18/u20 international games over the years. What strikes you immediately when you see them run out is the physique they have developed at a young age. Forget about the huge forwards, I'm talking particularly about the skillful, traditionally slight back players like the outside half and scrum half. Its a sad fact in a way that if they didn't develop physically they wouldn't make it in the modern game. I'm not talking about huge muscles here, but young backs work hard in the gym on this aspect as its part of their game. Yet they lose nothing of the pace , sidestep , skill etc. Perhaps the best examples people may be familiar with are Shane Williams and Bryan Habana, two of the fastest , skillful wings in rugby over the past decade, small guys who developed their physiques to survive without detriment to their natural skills.

Unsy, maybe Martinez, commented on Dowell's return from injury that he'd used the time to work on his physicality and you can detect a change all be it slight. Football has completely different requirements than rugby and I wouldn't advocate that we go down that route. But rugby has shown it is possible to improve the physique of youngsters at a young age without it being detrimental to them or other aspects of their skill set. It frustrates me when we worry about about the likes of Galloway, Kenny etc because they appear physically slight. We can't turn them into man mountains but the days of giving youngsters raw eggs, sherry and steaks to build them up are long gone. . There was a mention last night of Unsy using gym work in his preparations so I'm happy to admit they know more than I do , I'm no physiologist, and I'm sure this is part of their development work. My point is a simple one , with modern sports science we shouldn't lose a single talented youngster because they are deemed to be physically too slight.

......many years ago club scouts were always keen to see a youngsters parents to gauge what size the player might be. I remember meeting a young Richard Dunne's parents at Bellefield shortly after he came over from Ireland. He was already a big lad then and you could clearly see why!!!

 

[mightymoyes]

We really need someone who sees these games regularly to say specifically, but he appears to have been playing midfield/defensive midfield in the last 3 games of the North League. That's based upon the team sheet showing 4 usual suspects for defenders and 4 usual suspects for attackers/ attacking mids leaving Harrington presumably playing in a DFM two with Kiersey or Baningime or maybe a mid 3. It was interesting that Harrington was a regular on the bench for most of the first half of the season, but it looks like he's got his chance/developed a bit more in the past few months with the loan moves also helping create spots for others as people move up or out e.g. Davies and Walsh.

as far as im aware harrington has been playing in midfield since he was around 14/15.
i watched a victory shield match a few years ago and he was in midfield that game. broadhead played as a winger.

 

[Barnfred 55]

I watched last night's game, unsure which thread is better to pop it in, but on reflection felt this one as the contribution is a little more about the on-going development of players not just the game itself. If people (mods) want it moved, I'll happily delete and re-paste.

Overall it was a good performance against a decent Sunderland team. Experienced first teamers like Toivenen, Larsen and their goalkeeper probably the difference.

On a positive note the lad that I was most pleased with was Pennington. He looked very Jagielka like, physical, read the game well and was a good organiser. Lacks a bit of height but played very well. Alongside his performance Tom Davies continues to look very impressive. He is very confident on the ball and good at dribbling as well as getting through a lot of work. He has come along leaps and bounds this season and looks a real prospect. A little like how Barkley plays in terms of using skill and power to take it past players, but probably just lacks the speed of running with the ball Barkley had.

His midfield partner Williams also impressed me. When I'd seen him before he'd always been a bit more of the water carrier role, but he got involved more going forward today and put a number of astute balls through in the final third. This was what he was like as a younger player and it is pleasing to see him growing in confidence. He is still a very slight lad though and does still need to grow out.

Finally on the positives I have to give a mention for Dowell. Again on the fringes of the game but what he does when he gets the ball is absolute quality. His delivery of set plays is fantastic and his corners were consistently better than what we have in the first team. The key for him is to get him the ball as often as possible, as otherwise he can get a little lost. My comparison to Ozil still stands. The little touches he has are magical. There was one today where in one touch he played a ball behind himself into the run of our right back and took three players out of the game.

As for the disappointments. Charsley was on the periphery of the game, although did put a cross in for the first goal. Holgate is still too lightweight and is for me behind Pennington currently. There is a good player in there, but needs to fill out. He should also take their winger down for the third goal.

Galloway is the big disappointment for me. Lots rate him highly. It's an odd game really as every time I see Galloway I just think how much better I think Garbutt is than him. Football is really a game of opinions though. He got dominated off two set plays today by Toivenen. In many ways that's no disgrace but that is the sort of physique of player he'll be up against in the premier league if he plays centre half and at present he's a way off.

It is harsh as he can't help his physicality, but in comparison to Stones (who had a similar dilemma) I felt Stones adapted to use his brain to make up for a lack of physique. I was hoping Galloway would be our stand out player today but he struggled a little and didn't enhance his chances much.

Duffus didn't have a great game. His first touch is poor and I do wonder if that's down to him returning from injury. He runs the channels well but he is a long way from challenging the first team.

Leandro was a positive and looked a very clever player, with pace. Likewise it was nice to see Evans with a cameo appearance. He's lost a little confidence but you can still see the lads quality with the final cross. A brilliant turn and a fantastic ball in which showed vision and technique.

My overall assessment would be that Pennington and Dowell I would happily have in the first team squad and wouldn't be too worried if they were called upon to play, I think they would do fine. I think Tom Davies will be a first team player for Everton too. The rest still have some work to do.

Hi mate.

Posted a similar blog in the match thread. We pretty much agree on everything which is great.

One thing I would add is that, despite our supremacy, I thought their young winger, Rees Greenwood, was the man of the match. You can see why he got the league player of the month before the match. He was involved in all their good play including each of the goals, and takes the meanest corners I think I've ever seen. I think any defence would struggle against them. At 19 and pretty much off the radar, I think he'd fit in really well with our current acquisition policy.

 

[Ring master]

Chelsea u18s v Everton u18s Live at 11am today [saturday],on chelsea tv