The class of 2017? Everton U23s suggests the future is bright

For all the talk of big-money signings fuelled by Farhad Moshiri’s millions we all know there is something special about a young player coming through the academy.

Tom Davies is the latest graduate from Finch Farm, with the ‘Ketwig Kaiser’ now firmly in the hearts of Toffees fans everywhere after THAT goal against Manchester City.

But given of the performances of David Unsworth’s U23 side it’s highly likely that Davies will be joined by more youngsters sooner rather than later.

Unsworth’s young Toffees continued their fine form with a 3-1 victory against Man United at Leigh Sports Village on Monday evening.

The result coupled with Man City’s draw against Leicester means Everton are now six points clear at the top of the Premier League 2 table with seven games remaining.

Courtney Duffus and two goals from Bassala Sambou gave Everton victory, their 11th win from 15 PL2 games this season.

Duffus joined Everton as a 16-year-old from Cheltenham in 2012, while 19-year-old Sambou moved from Coventry last summer, highlighting Everton’s desire to recruit talented players from across the country even at a very young age.

Anton Donkor also made his debut for Everton U23s following his loan move from Woflsburg. The 19-year-old looked lively throughout and set up Sambou for the first of his two goals.

Despite their fine form the reality of modern football is that only handful of young academy players will make it to the very top.

However, there does seem to be genuine optimism and excitement about this current generation and what they can go on and achieve.

The rise to prominence of Davies shows there is a path to the first-team available for those willing to take it, unlike at other Premier League sides who tend to ship their youngsters out on loan.

The famous Man United ‘Class of ‘92’ saw David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers graduate to the first-team and help lead the club to domestic and European success.

Is it too far-fetched to speculate about Everton’s class of 2017 doing something similar in a few years time in a brand new dockside stadium?

We can but dream.....