Everton Youth Teams Thread

…..was thinking of the Dibling chance last night and I’d be sure Graham at least makes the keeper work to save it.

Around the box, he’s always reminded me a little of Robbie Keane but those runs and finishes from deep are just Graham. Difficult to see where he plays if he can make the step-up, a bit similar to the Dobbin discussions we had.

He’s not a conventional wide player but watching the positions taken by McNeil last night (I know he was awful), as an almost inverted winger often closest to Barry, it could be the type of hybrid role for Graham.
Agreed Eggs it's something to possibly try but I doubt Moyes has even contemplated it
 
…..was thinking of the Dibling chance last night and I’d be sure Graham at least makes the keeper work to save it.

Around the box, he’s always reminded me a little of Robbie Keane but those runs and finishes from deep are just Graham. Difficult to see where he plays if he can make the step-up, a bit similar to the Dobbin discussions we had.

He’s not a conventional wide player but watching the positions taken by McNeil last night (I know he was awful), as an almost inverted winger often closest to Barry, it could be the type of hybrid role for Graham.
You’ll likely hate this mate but I think the best move for his development is a loan to the Championship next season. There are many clubs there who play 3 at the back and various combinations that would see him play alongside, behind or supporting a striker eg 3-5-2 ; 3-5-1-1; 3-4-2-1 respectively for those roles. I think he’d become a standout. At the moment, it could be argued that Graham is “ only” scoring and shining against u18/ u19/ u21s , if he proves himself by continuously scoring a bagful of goals as a teenager in the Championship then it forces our hand to find a position to play him in on his return.
 
You’ll likely hate this mate but I think the best move for his development is a loan to the Championship next season. There are many clubs there who play 3 at the back and various combinations that would see him play alongside, behind or supporting a striker eg 3-5-2 ; 3-5-1-1; 3-4-2-1 respectively for those roles. I think he’d become a standout. At the moment, it could be argued that Graham is “ only” scoring and shining against u18/ u19/ u21s , if he proves himself by continuously scoring a bagful of goals as a teenager in the Championship then it forces our hand to find a position to play him in on his return.
We are not over run with goal scorers so while he’s here now he should be on the bench at least, there are nine subs so make a space for him. It’s possible he could be another Jimmy Husband who was a goal scoring striker who Catterick converted into a winger or he might be just as good as a goalscoring poacher/ fox in the box, age is just a number if your good enough your old enough, toss the loan and give the lad a chance, Dibling is getting games and chances because he cost a lot of money, he doesn’t look like he’s taking those chances so give the kid who cost next to nothing the same chances.
 
Nearly 22 and appearing on the wall.... The oldest of the youngest. Bit embarrassing really. Hardly a massive recognition for him or for us. Keeps the wall alive I suppose.

Perhaps, limit the wall to under 20 ?
Not really embarrassing to have played a game at the highest level is it. If we're going to start cherry picking who can and cannot go on the wall then Eli is far down the list of who should be eligible given he came on with an FA cup tie against a PL team in the balance for a not insignificant amount of time.

Just off that panel Alex Denny only played about 30 seconds of football for us in a dead rubber European tie we were 3-0 up in. Thierry Small had a 3 min cameo where he didn't touch the ball as part of a contract negotiation, it doesn't change the fact that they're academy graduates who did play for us.
 
Taking another perspective, it shows how difficult it is for youth products to get to that magical “ 50 games” for us . Ten years worth there and only Kenny and Gordon “ made it “ with us. Crap recruitment ? Crap Academy ? Maybe . But even the hot prospects we wanted to keep , Emiliano Lawrence , Ishe Samuels-Smith, Thierry Small, haven't played a PL game and are now in League 1, Championship, Championship respectively trying to reach the top level. That’s seven on that list currently playing Championship football.

Armstrong will make it to 50 games unless we sell him, and hot on his heels are Graham, Olayiwola, Nsangou , but it remains a difficult road from Academy to first team. I just enjoy watching the kids , I do it with hope but no exaggerated expectation on their prospects. Well done Eli.
 

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