Everton may have another Harrison Armstrong in their academy as ‘unbelievable’ gem earns rave review

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Everton have some really exciting youngsters coming through their Finch Farm academy.

Harrison Armstrong is the latest success story from the Everton academy, as he’s now making his way into the first team.

Toffees players have been so impressed by Armstrong since he returned from his productive loan spell at Preston North End.

Justin Clarke is another really exciting teenager in the academy and could be one of the next in line to make his debut.

Now, another talented teenager is earning rave reviews after his loan in the lower leagues.

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Everton youngster Odin Samuels-Smith hailed by Marine AFC manager

Odin Samuels-Smith, who is a 19-year-old defender, has risen through the ranks at Everton all the way through to the under-21s.

In October, Samuels-Smith was allowed to join non-league outfit Marine AFC for a short-loan, and it’s fair to say he really impressed.

For any young player, no matter their ability, going and playing in the physical divisions of non-league football can be extremely challenging.

But, according to Marine manager Bobby Grant, Samuels-Smith absolutely flourished.

“I can only thank Everton for letting us have him,” Grant explained.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s really good at football but he’s an unbelievable person.”

Odin Samuels-Smith should get a League Two loan

The next step for Samuels-Smith should be a loan to a League One or Two club to continue his development in men’s football.

For young defenders, it’s a little bit different to perhaps a midfielder or winger, as they often hit their peak a little bit later.

So, they can sometimes develop at a slower rate, with building up their physicality one of the main improvements to make.

That said, it wouldn’t be wise to fast-track the 2006-born into a higher division, as the club did with Armstrong, whose first loan was in the Championship.

A promotion-challenging club would be ideal, as that’d be a good environment for him to really test himself and grow in confidence.