Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has now shared his thoughts on new Everton signing Ashley Young.
The Toffees gave 38-year-old Young a one-year deal earlier this week following his release from Villa Park.
The former England international spent four years at the Villains between 2007-2011, before spending almost a decade at Old Trafford followed by a brief spell at Italian giants Inter.
Indeed, Young then moved back to Villa Park for his second spell at the club in the summer of 2021, where he linked up with forward Ollie Watkins.
While Young’s advancing years may be an issue for some, his former teammate Watkins insists that the 38-year-old is ‘one of the best’.
Sharing an Instagram story, 27-year-old Watkins posted: “One of the best I’ve played with. All the best my bro @young_18.”
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Capable of playing across multiple positions, Young brings a versatility to Everton’s squad that could allow the cash-strapped Blues to focus spending on key areas, such as their desperate need for centre-forwards.
Indeed, the former England international could fulfil left-back duties for Everton, a position that Sean Dyche has previously indicated requires strengthening.
Young’s experience could be key for Everton as well and he was keen to stress that ‘age is just a number’ when giving his first interview as a Toffee to the club’s official website.
Young said: “I’ve always said age is just a number for me. I feel as fit as I ever have done – even than when I was younger. Whenever the manager calls upon me, I’m going to be fit and ready to go.
I hope to use my experience in the squad, too. For me, I’ve been there and done it and if I can lend a voice to a younger player, that’s fantastic.”
Despite his age, Ashley Young could be a shrewd signing by Sean Dyche ahead of a vital season at Goodison Park.