Whilst Everton’s focus may be on European qualification, the next generation of U21 players continue to gain experience away from Finch Farm.
George Pickford and George Morgan are two of the latest Everton U21 players from Paul Tait’s side to enjoy loan success.
The pair were just two of the players who were in action over the weekend at their new respective clubs.
A big focus is being placed on the current crop remaining at Finch Farm, with Tait waxing lyrical about Braiden Graham and his recent performances across the age groups.
Graham netted for the U18s in the FA Youth Cup at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Thursday and then added to his tally in the Premier League 2 on Monday.
Which player do you think could be next to shine in Everton’s first team? 🤩
There's some really exciting youngsters currently at Finch Farm 🔥
Everton's Braiden Graham inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Everton. Everton midfielder Malik Olayiwola. Justin Clarke of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Accrington Stanley and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto/Matt McNulty.
As well as the 18-year-old is playing in the youth divisions, there are other Everton youngsters like Pickford who are excelling in the men’s game whilst out on loan.
West Bromwich U21 v Everton U21 - Premier League 2
Photo by Malcolm Couzens – WBA via Getty Images
George Pickford shines on his Southport debut
Late last week, Pickford joined Southport after inking a new Everton deal to extend his stay on Merseyside through until 2028.
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The young goalkeeper has been in fine form in the Premier League 2 this season, which saw him promoted to a loan move away from Finch Farm.
George Pickford's stats from Southport debut vs Hereford.
Credit: Getty Images/George Wood
On his debut, Pickford started for Southport as he guided the National League North side to a 5-1 victory.
To put Pickford’s performance into perspective, the current record for most saves in a Premier League game stands at 14, and he made 11 on his Southport debut.
Pickford was even named Man of the Match for his fine display in what was his debut in senior football.
George Morgan stars again for AS Cannes
Last time out, George Morgan scored on his AS Cannes debut, but he had to settle for a 14-minute cameo appearance at the weekend.
However, the Everton striker was on the pitch to see his side seal all three points with a last-minute goal.
Does David Moyes need to put more trust in Everton’s academy players? 😤
Surely some of these players can do better than Beto and Dwight McNeil! 😡
Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
Morgan had made seven appearances for Everton’s U21s in the Premier League 2 before departing for one of The Friedkin Group’s other clubs.
With just three goals to his name this season, the loan move should provide the 19-year-old with the experience he needs to develop.
Fraser Barnsley keeps clean sheet for Marine
Pickford is not the only goalkeeper who has been impressing during his loan stint away from Finch Farm.
Fraser Barnsley, the 21-year-old Northern Irishman, was able to keep a clean sheet for Marine at the weekend in the National League North.
Marine sealed a comfortable 5-0 victory over Leamington as they ended the weekend in 10th spot.
There are a couple of months to wait until Pickford and Barnsley face off as Southport host Marine in April.
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