Everton’s academy are producing a number of exciting young players who could make the grade in David Moyes’ squad one day.
Braiden Graham is really impressing in the under-21s and has actually been promoted to first-team training on occasion this season.
Justin Clarke is another exciting Everton youngster to keep tabs on, and he was involved with Moyes’ side in pre-season.
Would you like to see Justin Clarke given opportunities in the first-team?
Everton winger Justin Clarke.
There will be an array of talent to watch in Thursday’s FA Cup youth game against Ipswich Town, and with that said, here is one Everton under-18s star to watch out for.
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Everton under-18s midfielder Malik Olayiwola is one to watch vs Ipswich Town
Everton’s under-18s are in action against Ipswich in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening.
The clash will be staged at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, so fans are permitted to attend, with tickets priced at around £5 for adults and £3 for kids.
If you do manage to catch the game, keep your eye on Malik Olayiwola, who is a very highly-rated midfielder.
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Olayiwola, who turned 17 last month, has scored six goals whilst laying on three assists this term and has been capped at youth level by England.
The 2009-born’s terrific performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Moyes, as the Scotsman named him on the bench against Sunderland in the FA Cup third round.
Olayiwola was also rewarded with his first professional contract earlier this year, signing a deal until 2028.
Malik Olayiwola has taken a lot of confidence from his first-team call-up
Speaking to Everton’s website last month, Olayiwola explained how he’s taken a lot of confidence from being in Moyes’ first-team squad.
“I’m very proud because I’ve worked a long time for this,” the 17-year-old stated.
“This season’s been good because I’ve gone from the Under-18s to Under-21s and then on to the bench with the first team so quickly. It all happened so fast – I was just excited.”
On his experience against Sunderland, Olayiwola said: “That was surreal. Being around so many people you watch on TV, warming up and being in the same environment as them was crazy.
“I take a lot of confidence knowing I was called up to be with them, so I’ve gone into this week – with my own age group – to perform.”
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