Everton manager Sean Dyche must give youngster Stanley Mills a first-team opportunity as the 19-year-old continues to impress in the U21’s.
Mills scored his thirteenth goal of the season for Everton’s U21 side during Sunday’s 1-1 mini derby draw with Liverpool and was hailed by manager Paul Tait for his performance.
Indeed, Mills gave Everton the lead on their Merseyside rivals at Southport’s Haig Avenue only to concede a late equaliser, though despite the disappointment at not securing the victory, manager Paul Tait was full of praise for the 19-year-old, telling the Liverpool Echo:
“He’s an excellent finisher Stan, he makes really good runs to get in behind and can finish with both feet, that was his left foot, his weak foot, and he’s lobbed the keeper. He probably should have scored again and he’s certainly a threat.”
The attacking midfielder has been on fire for Tait’s side this season, and was an unused substitute for the first-team during last week’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham at Goodison Park.
Mills must be a viable striking option for an Everton side with everything to lose
With 13 goals in 18 games for the club’s second string so far this season, surely now is the time to give Mills his first-team opportunity.
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Everton have scored just 24 goals in 31 Premier League games, and this lack of threat up front continues to put the club’s top-flight status in jeopardy.
Neal Maupay was wasteful in front of goal yet again against Fulham, and with just one goal since his £15m move from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, the Frenchman is yet to justify his place in Sean Dyche’s side.
Mills could be an under-utilised asset in Sean Dyche’s limited armory, his runs from deep into the box offering an outlet that the senior squad’s attackers generally lack.
Everton are not blessed with players who have an eye for goal, and in our current situation we need to maximise the potential of every player within the squad.
Now could be the time for Stanley Mills to shine.