David Unsworth highlighted Kieran Dowell after Everton under-21’s win against Norwich City last night.
The young Toffees fielded a strong line-up, featuring Mason Holgate, January acquisition Matty Foulds and a returning Callum Connolly as they leapfrogged Chelsea into fourth place in the table thanks to goals from Dowell and Anthony Evans in a 2-1 win at Carrow Road.
And Unsworth reserved glowing praise for 18-year-old Dowell, who is on the fringes of Roberto Martinez’s senior side after impressing for the Blues’ second string.
He said: “It was a fantastic goal, he did great for our second goal and I thought Kieran’s all-round performance was outstanding.
“He’s showing now, on a consistent basis, what we’ve all known for a few years – he’s a great talent and he’s showing it on the pitch.”
Dowell has continued to hit the headlines in recent weeks after a number of spectacular goals for the under-21, including one from close to the halfway line against Southampton, and is regularly training with Everton’s first team.
But youth coach Unsworth also sought to praise the displays of several of the Blues’ other promising talents.
“There were some big performances from the likes of Joe Williams, Tom Davies, Kieran Dowell and Antony Evans as well. Then, in the second half, it was brilliant to give three under-18s their debuts with us and that is just reward for all their recent efforts and performances.”