When Everton under-23s took on Leicester City in their most recent outing there was an appearance from a player not previously seen at this level.

Talented young defensive midfielder Luke Butterfield came into the fray with seven minutes remaining as Everton ran out 4-2 winners over the Young Foxes.

Butterfield, who has been a regular in Paul Tait’s under-18 side this season, was playing his first game in PL2.

So who is he?

Butterfield headed over to Everton’s academy from Blackburn at under-12 level and, according to the Everton website, models his game on that of Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.

Cornella v FC Barcelona - Copa del Rey
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Butterfield likes to get on the ball and control a game, allowing his passing ability to do the hard work for him in a not dissimilar style to his footballing idol.

A Scotland under-16 international, Everton’s commitment to bringing Butterfield through the ranks was rubber stamped in October when he was handed his first professional deal at the club.

The Yorkshire-born talent is just 17-years-old and even has a similar build to Busquets, long and languid and with an uncanny ability to read the game around him.

So whilst living up to Busquets’ impressive record might be a tall order there is no doubt Butterfield is a player for Everton fans to keep track of going forward.

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