Former Everton attacker Lewis Dobbin is starting to show his potential after making a productive start to the season with a new club.
Everton had really high hopes for Lewis Dobbin when he was a youngster, as he was prolific with the under-21s and 18s.
Dobbin was even capped by England’s youth teams when he was on Merseyside, evincing how highly-rated he was in the academy sphere.
However, due to PSR issues, Everton decided to sanction his permanent exit to Aston Villa during the summer of 2024.
The 22-year-old couldn’t get into Unai Emery’s first team and struggled at West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City last term.
But, Dobbin is now impressed with his new club in the Championship.
Southampton v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship
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Lewis Dobbin flourishing at Preston North End
Dobbin joined Preston North End on a season long loan in the summer transfer window and he’s enjoyed a really productive start.
Preston fans have been so impressed by Dobbin’s performances, with many noting he brings so much excitement around Deepdale every time he gets on the ball.
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The former Toffees youngster was in action against Southampton on Saturday afternoon and scored his fourth goal of the season.
Dobbin has now been involved in six goals in just 10 appearances for North End, who are flying high in the Championship.
Paul Heckinbottom’s side are currently sitting in sixth place, with a number of former Toffees players in the squad.
Thierry Small, Lewis Gibson and of course Harrison Armstrong, who is on loan, are all plying their trade at Preston.
Championship expert gives verdict on Lewis Dobbin
Speaking on the Not The Top 20 podcast earlier this month, Championship expert George Elek admitted he’s really excited about Dobbin’s potential.
“It was a really important time for Lewis Dobbin to score, a brilliantly taken goal. He’s a player I’m really excited about,” Elek explained after Preston’s win against Sheffield United last week.
“Preston have a lot of really good, young loanees but Dobbin, in particular, has had a couple of loan spells and – as we often see with academy kids – they grow on loan.
“It feels Preston have got him at a really good time, where he’s starting to show his true level.”
Everton don’t have a buy-back clause on Dobbin, however, it wouldn’t be surprising if they had a sell-on clause.
The 22-year-old is still learning his trade and has plenty of room to get even better, so perhaps the Toffees may end up rueing his sale.