GRADING QATAR WORLD CUP 2022 KITS PART 2
Everton have confirmed that young prospect Kyle John has signed a new two-year deal.
John, 20, was included in several matchday squads last season but is yet to taste competitive action in a blue shirt.
He suffered a serious ankle injury last September but battled back and told the club website that captain Seamus Coleman was a huge help.
And he posted a message on Twitter to celebrate the news of his new contract.
“It is a proud moment to sign a contract, especially with Everton,” John said. The injury was a big blow. But I was determined to get through it and back to where I was – nothing was stopping me from getting there.
“Seamus is an unbelievable player and professional. He is one I really look up to, I ask him a lot of questions and talk to him all the time. You want to be like him. He is a legend, really, isn’t he?
“When I had my operation, he rang to say he hoped I got through it. He is always there for me. Training with the first team has helped me come on massively. I feel 10 times the player I was two years ago.
“But there is not one area of my game I don’t need to improve. I can get better defensively and with my attacking, my crossing and final ball. I need to get bigger and stronger. Playing Premier League football at Goodison Park is the dream.”
John is a right-back so it’s natural that Coleman would be a role model for him.
The Irishman is coming towards the end of his career and Everton do need a long-term replacement for him.
John’s aim will be to be that man. Coleman can mentor him as he gets closer to his first team debut and there could be a smooth transition there.
There’s a long way to go yet but this new deal is a show of faith from the club and John will have a new manager to try and impress when pre-season starts next month.
