Justin Clarke has already scored three goals this season, having provided 10 from the wing during his debut season with the Blues
Everton starlet Justin Clarke has made a flying start to the season after a major summer for the Blues. The 17-year-old scored for the Under-21s in midweek as Paul Tait’s side played Doncaster Rovers’ senior team in the EFL Trophy.
The teenager picked up the ball on the right, near the corner flag, and produced a scintillating piece of skill to chop inside his man before unleashing a powerful effort into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
It was the third goal of the season already for Clarke. While the stoppage time equaliser was not enough to help Everton take anything from the trip to Yorkshire - the hosts went on to find a dramatic later winner - the goal represented the continuation of Clarke’s rise.
The winger enjoyed a positive season with the U18s last season after making the switch from AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee.
He has spent time with the U21s already this campaign - but only after getting an opportunity in front of David Moyes in pre-season.
Clarke came on as a substitute in the senior team’s opening pre-season friendly at Accrington Stanley, showing no fear as he ran at opposition defenders and, with Isaac Heath on the other side, the pair both started to cause problems for the full-backs.
He got onto the pitch again days later at Blackburn Rovers and played in the first team’s opening friendly at Hill Dickinson Stadium, a behind-closed-doors game against Port Vale.
His impact convinced Moyes to take him to the US for the Premier League Summer Series before his summer was capped off with a first professional contract.
Despite his rise to prominence, Clarke is keen to stay grounded. Upon signing his new deal, he said: “I’ll always be confident, and I’ll never abandon my gameplan. That’s just me. I had the backing of the coaches and the players, so I knew I could do what I normally do.
“I think it was a good experience. It’s such a good group with lots of characters, so it was great for me and my development to be learning new things.
“I just want to be the best I can be. That’s all I can be, really. I’m finding it good so far. The Under-21s are more experienced and it’s a good coaching staff. I don’t want to rush anything, but I’m looking forward to the season.”
After 10 goals last season in the U18s, Clarke has shown no sign of a lack of confidence this season as he looks to work a promising group of youngsters, including Braiden Graham, Jack Patterson, Douglass Lukjanciks, Fraser Barnsley, Harrison Armstrong, Shea Pita, Reuben Gokah and midfielder Malik Olayiwola, of whom are on youth international during this current break.