Everton have always produced talented players from their academy.
Wayne Rooney is of course the most notable example whilst Leon Osman and Richard Dunne also deserve a mention.
Jarrad Branthwaite is a current case, having polished his skill set with the under-21s following a switch from Carlisle United.
Harrison Armstrong and Romain Dixon have been teetering on the edge of Sean Dyche’s squad this year, too.
Everton coaches have high hopes for Armstrong and Dixon and believe they’re ‘outstanding prospects’.
Everton also have another academy gem making a lot of noise and he could save the Friedkin Group millions in January if Dyche promotes him to the first team.
Omari Benjamin of Everton during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Accrington Stanley and Everton U21 at Wham Stadium on October 29, 2...
Photo by Gary Oakley/Getty Images
Omari Benjamin could save Everton millions
Omari Benjamin joined Everton from Arsenal in the summer and he’s already making a real impression for the under-21s.
The 2005-born striker has netted six times whilst laying on two assists for the reserve side this season and was again on the scoresheet last night against Leicester City.
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Speaking after the game, under-21s boss Paul Tait heaped praise on Benjamin for his brilliant opening goal.
“We got the goal late on – Omari picked it up deep and drove at them, it was a really good individual goal – but just couldn’t hang on for long enough,” Tait told the Everton website.
Benjamin has been likened to Romelu Lukaku.
Paul Tait hails three other Everton teenagers vs Leicester
Tait also highlighted three other Everton teenagers who really impressed for the under-21s last night.
“But there were loads of positives. Odin Samuels-Smith and Aled Thomas at centre-half were excellent, two of the youngest players on the pitch,” Tait said.
“It was nice to see Omari get a goal and Harrison was good for us in flashes, he got through in the second half and keeper pulled off a good save.”
Aled Thomas could be one to watch out for in particular, as the Wales youth international is a talented left-footed centre-back.
Thomas’ profile isn’t easy to find, so he could be an attractive option for Everton’s first team in the coming years.
He’s only just turned 18, so clearly a loan move could be his next step before jumping up to Premier League action.
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