Friday 21 August 2015 06:33, UK
After Roberto Martinez hailed Everton’s youngsters as a golden generation, we put the spotlight on the talent being honed at Finch Farm…
"He's a phenomenal young prospect coming into that golden generation we have at this football club." – Roberto Martinez on Mason Holgate
Martinez's description of his side's new signing from Barnsley alerted the wider public to a growing group of young players showing such promise at Everton.
The 18-year-old Holgate has already made 20 league appearances for Barnsley before making the switch to Everton, following the same path that John Stones took from Oakwell.
But it's another Everton youngster who midfielder Leon Osman anticipates Holgate being able to replicate at Goodison Park.
Brendan Galloway
"He's a player I'd liken to Brendan Galloway," Osman told Sky Sports.
"We signed him from MK Dons where he'd had experience and then he came to play in Unsy's squad before progressing to the first team.
"I see that's how Mason's career will hopefully pan out."
All he needed was an opportunity. He's got that and he's taken his chance.
Galloway has started both of Everton's Premier League games so far this season at left-back with Leighton Baines injured and Luke Garbutt on loan at Fulham.
Everton Under-21 boss David Unsworth has been thrilled to see the 19-year-old make such impressive progress.
"We're absolutely delighted and it doesn't surprise me in the slightest because we've worked with him for a while now and we know his qualities and we know his character," Unsworth told Sky Sports.
"All he needed was an opportunity. He's got that and he's taken his chance. He's there on merit."
Europa League stars
While the Europa League has its detractors, the competition allowed Everton to give those opportunities to a host of young players last season.
Teenagers Kieran Dowell, Ryan Ledson and Gethin Jones were all given a taste of the competitions last season, backing up Unsworth's claim that Everton "have got a lot of talented players" at the club.
Ty Browning also featured in the Europa League campaign – as well as at Liverpool and Manchester United – and the 21-year-old was also involved as a late substitute in the win over Southampton last weekend.
School of Science
Evertonians take great pride in their youngsters and the club tries to make the transition to the top as easy as possible by ensuring there is a continuity between all the age-groups.
"David Unsworth has the leeway to do what he likes with the team but there is that philosophy that runs through the club," said Osman.
"There's no point having one way of playing with the Under-21s and then a completely different way of playing when you get to the first team so there is always going to be that link to help the players to progress."
Next generation of youngsters
As a result, the next batch of young talent at Everton waiting in the wings below the group that are on the fringes of the first team can be equally optimistic about their prospects.
Indeed, Osman, who is involved with the youngsters in an informal coaching role as well as his playing duties, has already identified 16-year-old Antony Evans as someone with the ability to make the step up.
"He's come straight out of school and made some great leaps," he added.
"He seems to know what he wants and has got the right attitude. He's got a good physique. He's tall, strong and seems quite intelligent for his age."
Meanwhile, James Yates, Nathan Holland and Tom Davies were all included in John Peacock's England squad at the European Under-17 Championship in the summer.
No other club had as many players represented in England's squad.
There's no point having one way of playing with the Under-21s and then a completely different way of playing when you get to the first team.
But a word of caution…
Despite the potential of Everton's youngsters, all is not rosy at Goodison Park right now.
The banner flown from a plane during the team's game at Southampton last weekend calling for owner Bill Kenwright to walk away clearly highlights the discontent.
Evidently, while there is enthusiasm at the prospect of young talent emerging, few would want this to be at the expense of results amid a perceived lack of investment at the club.
For Martinez, the challenge is to introduce these players to the first team at the right time, in the right numbers, while continuing to compete in the Premier League.
If you're good enough then you're old enough? The Everton boss may have to test that theory sooner rather than later.
