With the news of Ryan Ledson’s loan move to Cambridge, we take a look at whether Everton should stick of twist with their promising young talent.
In the past Everton have drawn criticism for their so called ‘abuse’ of the loan system, but loaning to lower league clubs is a different kettle of fish. Some lower league clubs may rely heavily on these on these types of loans due to short squads and injures. So what’s the problem?
Everton have not always been successful with loaning young talent to the correct destinations. For instance Ross Barkley, who was sent to Sheffield Wednesday and scored 4 goals in 13 appearances. But he was then loaned to Leeds United, which didn’t work out as Neil Warnock didn’t seem to give Barkley the freedom to shine. Yet now he is a first team regular.
One of the main problems with the system is that due to the players short term contract the manager may not feel that the player is as committed as others in the squad, therefore the player is overlooked and doesn’t getting as much game time as they’d hoped.
Another downfall is Everton’s style of play. Not many lower league teams play passing football which means the player has to get used to a different style in only a short period of time.
So what are the other options? Stick with the u21s. Would the young players benefit more from sticking together as a group, getting to know each others game and trying to win silverware at that level? It’s something the u18s seem to be doing well at this moment in time.
David Unsworth Everton u21 manager.
The other option is maybe a bit unlikely but could be something to look at. Loaning abroad. Teams such as Chelsea have tried this with relative success. A loan to a lower league Spanish club would possibly be more beneficial than that of a relegation league 2 candidate. But it’s worth remembering these are young lads.
Overall the main goal is to help our young talent mature and stake a claim for first team football. Would a loan help them do this or is the u21 set up doing just fine?
