A player who Everton sold as a teenager in 2021 announced himself to Preston North End supporters yesterday with a Man of the Match display against Leicester City.
The new 2025/26 Championship season is underway as the second round of fixtures commenced on Saturday.
Former Everton gem Isaac Price scored twice for West Bromwich Albion yesterday and received glowing praise from his manager Ryan Mason.
Price is currently the Championship’s top scorer, having netted in the opener against Blackburn Rovers, too.
Another former Everton academy star had an afternoon to remember as well, with Preston North End fans in disbelief at his stellar performance against Leicester.
Preston fans in awe of former Everton youngster Thierry Small
Thierry Small left Everton as a 17-year-old during the summer of 2021, joining Southampton for a fee in the region of £3.7m.
Small joined Charlton on a free transfer in 2024 and enjoyed a productive 18 months before making the switch to Preston this summer.
The now 21-year-old made only his third appearance for North End yesterday, and fans were so impressed by his display.
“Don’t want to potentially go overboard but Thierry Small could be a Ballon d’Or contender. Whatever we paid to Charlton we’ve absolutely robbed them,” @BenWignall posted.
@CharlG25 added: “I’m gonna be completely honest. We’re only two games in but Thierry Small is some boy. Love him. Absolutely unreal today. My hero.”
@MWPNE0817 commented: “Thierry Small is absolutely quality by the way. Ripped Leicester to pieces today.”
“What a win! Mark my words Thierry Small will be a premiership player in the next few years. Fantastic performance,” @prestonian1979 said.
Thierry Small stats vs Leicester City
Small was up against arguably the best winger in the Championship yesterday Abdul Fatawu, but he contained him brilliantly.
And, he also contributed going forward, too, assisting the winning goal with a lovely left-footed cross which was stroked home by Milutin Osmajic.
Here are his impressive Sofascore statistics against the Foxes.
- 86 minutes
- 47 touches
- 1 assist
- 2 key passes
- 3 duels won
- 2 tackles
Small actually joined Preston on a free transfer, so it looks like they could be in line to make a hefty profit in the future.
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