Everton Under-19s face Brazilian side Coritiba this evening in the semi-finals of the Dallas Cup.
After qualifying for the prestigious intercontinental tournament as 2013/14 Premier Academy League champions, the young Blues finished second in a difficult-looking Group A featuring last year’s winners, River Plate, and beaten finalists, Ryutsu-Kezai University of Japan. Their opponents in the last 4, Coritiba, were the only side to win every group fixture, and boast an impressive squad containing numerous Brazilian youth internationals- a stern test, if ever there was one.
“I’m very pleased to be through to the semi-finals…I’m really proud of the lads and how they went about their business. They continue to get better and they’ve got stronger and stronger as the tournament has gone on”, said coach Andy Tait.
“Coritiba are obviously a very good side who have won all their games so far and, again, we’re up against a club who have a great tradition of producing good players.
“They have a strong squad with them and it’ll be another tough game for our lads, but that’s exactly what we want and it is the reason why we came to the tournament.”
Hopes are high for this particular Finch Farm age group, who currently sit top of this year’s Premier Academy League table. The young Blues squad features the likes of Ryan Ledson, Jonjoe Kenny and on-loan David Henen and includes no less than 8 current England youth internationals. Let’s take a look at some of the stars:
1. Ryan Ledson, central midfielder (Aged 17)
Where else to start any analysis of Everton youth talent than with the Liverpool-born midfielder? Elegant in possession, imposing in the tackle and blessed with two sparkling feet, Ledson’s displays as England U17 captain during the successful title-winning European Championship campaign have led to a wealth of plaudits both at home and on the continent. The teenager, who displays real signs of leadership, has been a regular part of David Unsworth’s U21 squad this season, and even featured for the first team in the Europa League dead-rubber against Krasnodar. Ledson has not figured for Martinez’s senior side since, although this does not seem to have dampened the weight of expectation surrounding the prodigiously talented youngster, who is widely regarded as one of Everton (and England’s) most promising talents. Recent goals against the likes of Liverpool U21s and La Galaxy have served to evidence his unique talent. Perhaps the one to keep an eye on in the Goodison youth ranks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mNHj_jhpiE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POLCUcycFrw
2. Kieran Dowell, attacking midfielder (Aged 17)
A talented left-footed midfielder with excellent vision and dribbling ability, Dowell has an innate ability to ghost into space and create chances at will for his teammates. The Aughton-born midfielder, who has already scored twice at the Dallas Cup-including a cracker against River Plate- is also a regular for Everton’s U21 side, and has featured prominently at various youth levels for England. Earlier this season, Roberto Martinez name-checked Dowell, along with midfield partner Liam Walsh, as one to watch in the coming years. The 17-year-old came off the bench in Everton’s 1-0 defeat against Krasnodar in December, and many at Finch Farm believe that was just the first of many first team appearances.
3. David Henen, forward (Aged 18)
Belgian youth international, Henen, provoked plenty of confusion in the summer when he moved to Everton on loan, after Greek giants Olympiakos originally trumped the Goodison side to his signature. A pacy striker with an impressive scoring record this year, Henen seems ready and willing to continue his rapid rise to footballing stardom. Indeed, indications are that the Blues will activate a release clause to sign the forward labelled the “Belgian Ronaldo.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyr9GiZgfM4
4.Liam Walsh, central midfielder (Aged 17)
Another name-checked by Roberto Martinez at the start of the season. Walsh is a gifted passer of the ball who usually plays as a deep-lying playmaker for both Everton and England youth sides. Small in frame, but wonderfully agile, the midfielder suffered concussion in the first game of the tournament, and may not feature in any of the remaining matches. A blow for Andy Tait’s side, who rely heavily on Walsh to set the tempo of their play.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kufa2Km1DQ
5. Jonjoe Kenny, centre-back (Aged 17)
Bastion of Everton’s title winning Academy campaign of 2013/14, the scouse defender’s tenacious attitude, strong leadership skills and composure have led to many critics predicting a bright future. Kenny, who is currently Everton U21 captain and an England U18 international, also scored the deciding penalty in last summer’s England U17 European Championship win. Rated highly at the club, and able to play in a number of positions- the 17-year-old has played across the back four and in defensive midfield this season- crucially, Kenny seems to have developed into a defensive foundation on which successful teams seem to rely and has the commitment and mentality to make it at the highest level.
This evening’s game is set to be streamed live on the Dallas Cup website (www.dallascup.com/). Follow @TheToffeeTalk for live updates and comment.
Paddy Boyland is the editor of Read Everton and can be found on Twitter at @Paddy_Boyland
