Everton’s proficiency at academy level has been revered for years now, with their history of nurturing young talent into the first-team second to none.
Anthony Gordon marks their starring export in recent years, given the £45m gained for his sale went a long way towards easing their financial troubles.
However, even scouring back through the archives brings up many other homegrown stars, with the likes of Ross Barkley, Leon Osman and Wayne Rooney all enjoying fine careers, naturally with some more successful than others.
So, although he is not an export of the Toffees academy, it is still a pleasure to see the Birkenhead-born James Garner currently shining in Sean Dyche’s midfield at just 22 years old.
He is combative yet classy in possession, and offers a unique blend of solidity and creativity that helps all those around him. That would explain the praise he often receives.
Ironically, it seems that their academy might have produced a clone of the former Manchester United man, with Sean McAllister enjoying an outstanding season for the U21s thus far.
Who is Sean McAllister?
Having enjoyed the bulk of his recent youth career in an attacking midfield role, this season has seen his position shift into a somewhat deeper area.
However, that has seemingly not thwarted the immense threat he poses to the opposition’s goal, having found the net in their last two Premier League 2 matches to make it two goals in just three games this term.
The 21-year-old maestro too boasts that offensive intelligence, but blends it with a work rate that sees him help out all over the pitch. This was emphasised during the mere 24 minutes he spent on the pitch against Mansfield Town in the Football League Trophy, in which he managed one tackle and three ball recoveries, via Sofascore.
Such form, which has spanned numerous years, has unsurprisingly drawn praise.
Even Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s director of football, would jump to highlight his key assets upon tying him down to a new deal in 2022. He noted: ‘We are very pleased Sean has signed a new contract. Sean has a lot of the key elements you require as a midfielder – technical ability, energy, composure and a strong work-ethic– and we are looking forward to helping him continue to progress.’
Whilst McAllister and Garner may not make the perfect midfield partnership, to have such a young star boast the similar attributes of a key figure is important for the development and growth of the entire club.
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