Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has given Everton fans one of the more revealing (and amusing) quotes of pre-season, admitting his preference for the smallest shin pads he can get away with has nothing to do with comfort.
It’s all about the calves.
Shin pads are compulsory under the laws of the game, but plenty of players push that requirement to its limit with tiny “mini-pads” that satisfy the letter of the law while offering next to no actual protection.
Dewsbury-Hall is clearly one of them.
Here’s the loophole: IFAB’s rules say shin guards need to be made of a suitable material, covered by the socks, and offer “a reasonable degree of protection” — but there’s no official minimum size.
Referees just have to check you’re wearing something; they’re not out there with a tape measure or a small paperback.
That’s exactly how the “micro pad” trend Grealish has made his own gets away with it at the top level, even if most grassroots leagues would send you off for trying the same thing.
“I don’t think shin pads are important,” Dewsbury-Hall said, in comments shared by the brilliant Men in Blazers.
“I just want to show off my calves — but obviously Jack Grealish has the best calves I’ve ever seen.”
A calves reunion?
Grealish’s rolled-down socks and minimal pads have been part of his look since his Aston Villa days, so Dewsbury-Hall naming him as his ‘shin-pad hero’ was quite something, given the pair were teammates last season (and *may* hopefully be again).
Whether it does anything for his actual performances is another matter, but it’s a little glimpse into the characters behind the shirts in this Everton dressing room heading into the new season.
Dewsbury-Hall has clearly settled in quickly since arriving from Chelsea last summer, and everything already points to him being a positive influence in the dressing room.
We all expect the calves to make an appearance against Crystal Palace this weekend, mini-pads et al. Let’s hope, collectively, they can help contribute to a few Everton goals.
UTFT.
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