Everton’s pre-season has not exactly been one of luxury, with a sole trip to Ireland the extent of their travels.
However, that will not matter to Sean Dyche, a man who enjoys life’s simple pleasures, and likely enjoys working his squad hard even more.
That much is certainly abundant given the notoriety of his ‘Gaffer’s Day’, a gruelling training programme which he conducted twice in one week earlier this summer.
Whilst some might wilt under this pressure, one youngster, just 20 years old, has stood up to impress Dyche.
Sean Dyche praises Tim Iroegbunam
Speaking mid-way through Everton’s pre-season, Dyche cut an upbeat figure whilst glossing over his squad.
After all, they were coming fresh off a behind-closed-doors massacre of Motherwell, beating them 6-0 just days after they defeated Preston North End 3-0 as well.
Having started the summer off with some questionable performances, the former Burnley boss promised that things would change when the tactical work began.
And now that it has done, one man has seemingly stood out for him, as he took time out to tell Everton’s official website all about Tim Iroegbunam: ‘[I’m] very pleased. I mentioned to him when he came in that Premier League fitness is a jump up from when he was on loan in the Championship. We’ve spoken to him about that, so it’ll have done him ever so good to get two 90s in a week.’
‘I thought he was very good again today and he’s settling in nicely. He wants to get turned, wants to play forward and wants to get a foot in when he can. He’s doing the things that I think are appropriate for how we want to play.’
Tim Iroegbunam could be Everton’s hidden gem this season
It seems that, despite all the star-studded acquisitions that have followed him this summer, Iroegbunam could well end up being one of Everton’s more important players this season.
Especially if they opt to pocket the rest of the cash earned from the sale of Amadou Onana, instead banking on him to fill his boots.
Standing at 6 foot, he certainly has the physicality to do so, but with limited senior experience, fears over his ability to perform at the Premier League level are justified.
However, if this pre-season is anything to do by, he has done more than enough to impress Dyche and his coaching staff.
Seemingly calm on the ball whilst also boasting the intelligence to not fall into traps, Iroegbunam did outline what Dyche told him in training recently which perhaps outlines the weakness he might suffer from.
But, should he be guilty of a few momentary lapses in concentration, that can be forgiven if he is as front-footed and proactive as his manager suggests.
Although Iliman Ndiaye is expected to bring the magic, Jesper Lindstrom promises energy and excitement, whilst Jake O’Brien is certain to offer steely solidity too, it could be Iroegbunam who shines brightest of all.
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