Everton’s academy has been in prolific form of late, but in reality, it has been working overtime for many decades now.
Finch Farm has played host to some immeasurable talent over the years, with Wayne Rooney the glittering spearhead that outshines other stars like Ross Barkley, Leon Osman, Francis Jeffers and so on.
Even more recently the likes of Ellis Simms and Tom Cannon have emerged to help the club out of a tight spot, taking their chances before landing the club a healthy sum of money with their departures.
Given the net profit earned in recent years, perhaps now Lewis Dobbin could emerge to star for the first team in the long-term, rather than seeking to turn a profit with him.
Especially given his performance with the U21s the other night, where his curling effort saw them secure victory against Athletic Bilbao B.
Having already made his first-ever Premier League start this season under Sean Dyche, perhaps the 52-year-old could now have seen his eye caught again after another fine showing for the youth sides.
How good is Lewis Dobbin?
Although lacking top-level experience, the 20-year-old is certainly well-versed in senior football, having enjoyed an impressive loan spell last year with Derby County.
Having been branded a ‘joy to watch’ only last year by temporary boss Paul Warne, the young trickster has impressed for most sides he has featured for. His goal last night actually saw him even surpass Dwight McNeil’s tally for the campaign thus far, which is a disappointing zero across all competitions.
Such underperformance is a stark contrast from his seven league goals, the most in Everton‘s squad, which helped them avoid the drop last campaign.
Not only that, but whilst starring for the League One outfit, Dobbin would score five and assist six across all competitions.
He clearly marks a fine offensive and creative threat from either flank, and after many months now working with Dyche, he is surely attuned to the new philosophy.
Perhaps now marks the perfect opportunity to hand the youngster a well-earned run in the team, should McNeil fail to return to goalscoring form.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
