In an age where opportunities are few and far between for young prospects rising through the ranks, it’s always refreshing to see a player “make it” at the club where they started out.
Everton have produced and nurtured some extremely talented players in recent years including Wayne Rooney, Jack Rodwell (before his self-detonated on his own career), Ross Barkley, Tony Hibbert, and Leon Osman.
Now under Marco Silva there are new opportunities at the club to develop.
With that in mind, here are two wonderkids we expect Everton fans will be hearing a lot from in years to come…
Fraser Hornby
Scotland under-19 international Hornby arrived from Northampton Town in 2014 and has been playing for the Toffees ever since.
Once a midfielder, the young man has now made his way up the pitch as a converted centre-forward for Everton at under-18 and under-23 level.
The manager of Scotland under-21s Scott Gemmill is a big admirer of the player stating: “He’s got that physicality which is important but Fraser is not just about that. It’s about intelligence, a willingness to do the work and the talent as well. In football today you need the full package but he is definitely on schedule.” (as per the Daily Record).
Horny has already represented the first-team in their 3-0 victory over APOEL in the Europa League last season, and, providing he stays on track, could well break through as a regular very soon.
Ademola Lookman
We think there’s very much a case for Lookman as a “wonderkid”.
His career hasn’t nearly hit the levels fans were expecting from him, but with time on his hands he can still do it.
A lot of transfer rumours linking Lookman back to Germany may have thrown him off earlier this season which has ultimately affected his performances on the pitch.
However, he should take solace in the fact that Marco Silva is adamant on keeping the player and seeing his development through at the club.
There will be opportunities to prove his worth this season, and hopefully he’ll take them when the time comes.
