Kevin Thelwell must now tie down another Everton youngster after Francis Okoronkwo

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Everton’s history of youth production is star-studded, and one which they will surely be keen to maintain as they enter a period of heavy financial restriction.

Having already amassed a small fortune with the sale of Anthony Gordon, a space has opened up out wide for a tricky young speedster to take his place, with the bar hardly set spectacularly high.

Although competition is now far more fierce, given how ever-present Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison continue to be in the Premier League, there is every chance that an energetic injection of inexperience could prove effective and disrupt that system.

Therefore, it must be pleasing for both Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell to see Stanley Mills thriving out on loan with Oxford United; a move which drew widespread praise from his teammates.

Given the Director of Football has just handed a new long-term contract to Francis Okoronkwo for thriving with the U21s, surely the 20-year-old winger must be next on his list to tie down for the foreseeable future.

How good is Stanley Mills?

Having previously been at Leeds United, Mills would trade Yorkshire for Merseyside back when he was just 14, since growing into a capable asset for their academy.

Described by Everton’s official website as ‘a speedy and skilful dribbler with impressive ball-striking ability’, journalist Joe Thomas even ranked him as part of the club’s most ‘talented’ young starlets back in 2022.

So, to see him spread his wings and take that step into senior football is huge for his development, and could allow him to return ready for first-team football with Everton.

After all, the on-loan ace already has one goal and four assists in League One after just 13 games, suggesting he is far from out of his depth at that level.

Should he maintain such form across the entire campaign, there is every reason to believe that he could return to Goodison Park ready to give Dyche a selection headache.

Given how they have clearly shown their faith by handing Okoronkwo a new deal, Mills must be next to ensure they do not lose out on one of their future stars for a cut price.