The Everton Under 18s sailed home in 4th place in the huge 26-team U18 Premier League, beaten only by the two Manchester clubs and Aston Villa. This was in stark contrast to the 11th (out of 13 clubs) placed finish in the previous season. Up until this last season there had been a “North” and “South” Division in the U18 league.
Cross-competition, Keith Southern’s side (Leighton Baines was in charge until January when he stepped up to the first team with David Moyes) scored an amazing 74 goals in 30 games, but also conceding a rather hefty 57 in the process.
Top scorers (all competitions) were:
Justin Clarke 13
George Morgan 11
Braiden Graham 10
Although that is an outstanding feat by Clarke in his first season following his transfer from AFCWimbledon, special mention must go to Graham who essentially played the second half of the season at U21 level and scored 6 more goals. Also, to Morgan who was in and around Paul Tait’s squad in the last months where he bagged a further 3 goals.
Nevertheless, it marked a great debut season for 16 year old Clarke, one of many regular team members at that age-point who made the season count for the team and themselves.
It’s a point not lost on those who have seen Clarke in action as I have on many occasions. It may sound harsh but, if I was to have a small criticism, it’s one that he appears to play for himself too often or drift out of the game. Ignoring a better placed colleague or letting frustration get the better of you is something that, as a teenager, is quite common. It’s a learning process and significantly, as the season progressed, he set a few up for team-mates.
He has lightning quick pace and (obviously) a keen eye for goal. Left-footed, but often deployed as an inverted right winger, it is something we shall all watch for in his progression next term. For me, I’m still not clear on what his best position is, wide right, wide left, attacking midfield or even striker. He played them all.
Most disappointingly (and surprising too) was the exit at Goodison Park from the FA Youth Cup to Plymouth Argyle, a club that, at first team level, suffered relegation to League One from the Championship. That 0-1 reverse came after earlier outstanding Blues’ victories against Nottingham Forest (7-0) and Wolves (3-1). Many people, including me, thought they would go all the way this year. Sadly they didn’t.
Breakthrough players during the season:
Justin Clarke: I have mentioned above and, in spite of some slight personal reservations and about character (he had a few red cards), he is an exciting talent who will potentially mature into a Premier League player. He has all the tools necessary.
Everton U18 v Liverpool U18: U18 Premier League Justin Clarke had a breakthrough season
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Braiden Graham: The young man from Northern Ireland is a livewire. He arrived very much as a striker but went on to play on the wing and as a second striker/ attacking midfielder. He was not as prolific immediately as he joined Paul Tait’s U21s which is to be expected, but he looked like a seasoned professional towards the end. His ceiling is really high. He’d find space in a crowded rush-hour elevator, has a knack of being in the right place, finishes well and has a fire about him to match the colour of his hair. As a defender, you knock him about at your peril.
Everton v Plymouth Argyle - The FA Youth Cup Fifth Round Braiden Graham, a top talent in the making
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
George Morgan: For a centre forward he is not overly tall but he makes up for that with strength, work-rate and, of course, goals. The young Welshman has some resemblance in playing style to a retired compatriot, a young Mark Hughes ofManchester United (and briefly, Everton) fame. He’s happy dropping a little deeper but also holds the ball well. An unfair comparison at this stage of course and I don’t know if he, or anyone else, would thank me for mentioning that, though it is meant as a compliment and a clue as to his style of play.
Leicester City U21 v Everton U21: Premier League 2 George Morgan holding off an opponent
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Finally, I’d pick out Harvey Foster, a tall and elegant central midfielder. He takes virtually every set piece for the young Toffees and his delivery is usually top quality. He also contributed 5 goals (plus 1 at U21 level) and, although he is technically out of contract shortly, he has been offered new terms. I, for one, hope he accepts them. He has a calmness on the ball and can dictate play.
Everton v Plymouth Argyle - The FA Youth Cup Fifth Round Harvey Foster, a strong season from him
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Good luck to all the squad, they played some hugely entertaining football in stark contrast to the drudgery of the first team in the early months of the season.
Next season, several (the likes of Graham and Morgan for sure) will stay with the U21s and the current talented U18 crop will be joined by more hopefuls, some of whom we have already seen. The new intake will be announced any time soon.