After a year in which Everton’s academy suffered as part of the club’s attempts to comply with financial regulations, the club has a young number 10 who is showing the Under-21s remains a source of talent.
Sean McAllister scored twice as he led his side to victory over Monaco in the Premier League International Cup, both goals that saw him burst from the middle to take advantage of the supply lines around him.
The composure shown for his first goal helped Everton stun their opponents inside the first 120 seconds while his second followed a piercing late run into the box.
McAllister’s form is built on a year of progress that continued with the appointment of Dyche. The youngster was repeatedly promoted to first team training towards the end of last season and then featured on the bench for the survival-clinching win over Bournemouth on the final day of the campaign. He had already signed a 12 month extension the previous month.
Everton’s U21s have lacked the attacking intent and ruthlessness of last season that was founded on the performances of Tom Cannon, who was sold to Leicester City on deadline day, Stan Mills, who is on loan at Oxford United, and Isaac Price, who turned down a contract for first team opportunities with Belgian side Standard Liege. But there is still talent in the academy’s senior side with McAllister, Okoronkwo, Mackenzie Hunt, Jenson Metcalfe and Kyle John all impressive for large parts on a freezing night at Walton Hall Park. Another standout was Dobbin who repeatedly threatened and, having been a part of Dyche’s setup after impressing in pre-season, looked every bit a player on the fringe of first team responsibilities.
