Thursday’s Toffee Bites: Has Ademola Lookman wasted this season?

Occasionally, a player will come along with such promise and electricity that he seems destined for greatness. Then, his club messes with him so much that he never achieves a fraction and what most expected. There has to be some concern that this happening with Ademola Lookman.

The 20-year-old Lookman went out on loan to RB Leipzig. Since making the move to the Bundesliga, Lookman has appeared in just seven matches and played a total of 268 minutes, scoring twice and adding an assist.

Everton’s management of Lookman, along with several other young talents, is one of the most baffling aspects of the 2017-18 season. Rather than playing the kids, boosting their confidence and allowing them to learn on the job, Everton’s staff has preferred to keep using the same aging, declining (or plateaued) players.

Why? Because it’s safe. It’s tough to second guess a club that uses “Premier League proven” players, but it’s not a lot of fun to watch either. Whoever is Everton’s manager next season, they need to be willing to deploy the kids and have them make football at Goodison Park exciting again. Sam Allardyce certainly doesn’t seem to be the man to do it.

In case you missed it

Fresh reports linking Paulo Fonseca with a move to Everton
Portuguese boss reportedly on his way to the Premier League this summer.

If Everton didn’t already have good reason to sack Sam Allardyce, they do now
Everton fan survey was good intentioned, but slightly misjudged.

Pairing Brands with Walsh could prove smart for Everton
Everton are reportedly weighing up the idea of pairing the two together to improve recruitment.

Thursday’s Toffee Bites

Everton keen on Stoke City star Xherdan Shaqiri - talkSPORT
The Toffees may have to battle West Ham United and Crystal Palace for the services of the talented playmaker.

Sam Allardyce has done what was asked of him at Everton - The Independent
After his miracles in recent years with Crystal Palace and Sunderland, Allardyce should be given the time to work his magic.

The three Everton under-23 stars to watch next season - Liverpool Echo
There is a talented group of youngsters at Finch Farm that the fans don’t get to see much of, but they could have a major impact in 2018-19.

Lookman learning in Germany, will he return to Everton a better player? - Liverpool Echo
Youngster seems to be experience the same issues he had at Goodison.

Baines: Confident Keane Is ‘Huge Positive’ For Blues - EvertonFC.com
Leighton Baines is just full of compliments for pretty much the whole team lately, isn’t he?

Pickford Will Get ‘Even Better’ Working With ‘Fantastic’ Margetson - EvertonFC.com
A former teammate of Everton’s goalkeeping coach thinks that he can provide Jordan Pickford with endless information to help the England number one reach his full potential.

What and How to Watch

Premier League: Leicester City vs Southampton, 2:45 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Gold
Burnley vs Chelsea, 2:45 p.m. ET, NBCSN
La Liga: Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid, 1:30 p.m. ET, beIN Sports
Levante vs Malaga, 3:30 p.m. ET, beIN Sports
League One: Blackburn Rovers vs Peterborough United, 2:45 p.m. ET, ESPN+
NHL: Bruins at Maple Leafs, game 4, 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Capitals at Blue Jackets, game 4, 7:30 p.m. ET, USA
NBA: 76ers at Heat, game 3, 7 p.m. ET, TNT
Trail Blazers at Pelicans, 9 p.m. ET, NBA TV
Warriors at Spurs, 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

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