Silva congratulates Unsworth’s Everton Under-23s

Earlier this week with the Premier League 2 title on the line, Everton’s Under-23s took on closest challengers Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park and came out 1-0 winners thanks to an early Josh Bowler strike, thereby settling the destination of the championship.

This is the second time in three years that the Under-23 side have won the title, and during his pre-match press conference ahead of Everton taking on Manchester United, manager Marco Silva commended David Unsworth and his charges.

“Really important for us. Congratulations to Dave and all the players. They showed the quality, and they also keep doing the right things.

“It’s really important. Nothing more prepares our young players than fighting to win trophies, playing in decisive matches.

“It’s a good way to keep improving and to prepare them for the future.

“It’s really tough to achieve their desire of playing in our first team, but this is a good way for them to show their quality. ”

(Quotes via the Echo)

It has indeed been challenging for players in the youth system to break into the senior side, not only at Everton but throughout the Premier League with how competitive most sides are.

Jonjoe Kenny is the only player to have lifted the PL2 trophy two seasons ago to be getting consistent minutes with the senior side, and even he has faded away following the resurgence in form from Seamus Coleman.