Everton U21s manager Paul Tait may have just offered David Moyes an in-house solution to his right-back problem.
Moyes has admitted he wants to sign a new right-back having eyed a new addition since he returned to the club.
Everton have opted to play Jake O’Brien out of his natural position and in the right-back spot for more than 12 months.
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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.
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However, Tait has shared just how impressive 19-year-old defender Luca Davis has been this season for the U21s.
Liverpool U18 v Everton U18 - U18 Premier League
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Everton U21s boss Paul Tait impressed by Luca Davis
Forward Joel Catesby made his Everton return from injury on Friday, but it was Davis who netted the late equaliser against Birmingham City.
Speaking to the Everton website after the game, Tait shared just how impressed he has been by the goalscorer this season.
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Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
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“Luca showed perseverance, personality and grit (for the equaliser),” said the Everton U21s boss.
“He shows that all the time, every training session. We feel like when he plays right back, he’s a threat for us.”
Despite being a natural centre-back, like O’Brien, Davis has played most of his minutes at right-back this season.
David Moyes could have in-house right-back option for the future
Clearly, Moyes has not put much trust in his youth players since he returned to the club last January.
However, Davis was called up to Everton senior training at Finch Farm by Moyes last week.
Everton do require a new right-back in the summer, with more of an attack-minded option being demanded.
Nathan Patterson is expected to be sold by Everton this summer following two transfer windows filled with speculation.
Although Davis is unlikely to be thrown in at the deep end by Moyes, he could well offer a potential option for the future at right-back.
In recent days, Everton have appointed Dean Rastrick as academy director and his job will be to help develop players such as Davis.
Moyes has shown he loves a versatile player, who can play across numerous positions, which, paired with Davis’ stellar attitude, sets the youngster in good stead on Merseyside.
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