Sam Allardyce has backed three of Everton’s young guns to play ‘big roles for a long time to come’.
Defensive duo Jonjoe Kenny and Mason Holgate both signed improved contracts on Thursday, safeguarding their futures at Goodison Park until June 2022.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s link with the Blues has also been strengthened with the striker rewarded for an impressive start to life at the club with a deal until 2023.
All three have forced their way into Everton’s first-team plans in the past 12 months and remain integral figures in the formative stages of Allardyce’s reign.
And the former England boss believes that securing the trio’s collective futures is vital to the Toffees’ continued reputation for developing promising players.
“We’re delighted that these young men have committed long-term to the club and there’s no doubt in my mind that they will play big roles at Everton for a long time to come,” said Allardyce.
“The depth of young talent in our squad is very encouraging, a clear sign that we do things right as a club in our development of young players and Mason, Jonjoe and Dominic epitomise what we are trying to accomplish with young players here at Everton.
“I’ve made the point before that Jonjoe’s decision-making for such a young man is very impressive and part of the reason he makes the game look simple.
“He is also an excellent defender, very grounded as an individual and he has an innate desire to succeed.
“He’s hungry and his choice of ball possession is first-class for a young man. He is an outstanding young man at full-back.
“For me, Mason Holgate’s potential is becoming a reality. He has set his standards in these past number of games he’s been involved in.
“And it’s a matter of him maintaining those standards, continuing to work hard on his game and then he can become a really top player in the Premier League.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin, too, is a really exciting talent, he’s improving all the time and he has the athleticism and attributes to become a top player in his position.
“Working so closely with a player like Wayne Rooney can’t fail to help him in the role he plays in the team and, collectively, these three players will all have big parts to play here in the years ahead.”