From having just Iliman Ndiaye as a reliable wing option last season, it appears that the Blues are now blessed with “dribbling” options following the statement signings of Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling.
A little further down the pecking order right now, but perhaps really important for the long term future of Everton’s attacking options, Justin Clarke signed a three-year contract on Tuesday. It was his first as a professional and just reward for his lightning progress towards first team action.
Having featured twice as a substitute against Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers as well as training and sitting on the bench in the USA games, he will have learned a lot about being a professional and now, his time has come. Like the 3 first teamers he is an accomplished dribbler but probably has an extra yard or two of pace over the more established players. If he takes on board all the advice he will be offered, he can be an important player for Everton going forward. He’s pictured below at this signing session, congratulations Justin!
In rounding up the recent games therefore it is quite appropriate that we can look at Everton’s opening goal against Fulham Under 21s last Friday night. It kind of captures Clarke’s qualities perfectly. A great pick out by midfielder Callum Bates but Clarke capitalises on the defender’s lack of awareness and pace and tricks his way into a shot. There’s a deflection undoubtedly but his endeavour earned that slice of luck. 1-0.
This is how the young Blues had lined up against Fulham:
Everton had actually found themselves 1-3 down and looking out of the contest until, yet again, Clarke made a difference, bursting down the right in the 52nd minute and allowing Braiden Graham to score his first of the season. 2-3.
The Toffees deservedly got an equaliser in the 63rd minute when George Finney, who has been in good form at right back, took charge in the penalty area and squared perfectly for substitute Isaac Heath to tap home at the far post, 3-3.
The fact that the Blues somehow contrived to lose the game 3-4 after 80 minutes should not take away from the attacking potential and resilience that the youngsters have.
Next up for the team is a long trip to Norwich City on Friday evening.
More recently, on Tuesday, the Under 18s took on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Midlands in the Under 18 Premier League Cup. This was how they lined up with captain Luis Gardner (pictured) in his new position as a centre back, celebrating his Wales Under 19 call up:
The young Toffees found themselves a goal behind before half-time but, showing similar character to the U21s, they came back in the 85th minute through talented midfielder Demi Akarakiri (pictured below). He was sharp enough to acrobatically fire home from an uncleared Blues’ corner kick. It ended 1-1.
Next up for the U18s is a lunchtime kick off this forthcoming Saturday at home to Nottingham Forest.
Finally, to round up the recent youth activity, an U17 squad was victorious in the 2025 Geneva Cup (the 2nd time in succession we have won this trophy). They are pictured below:
It was pleasing also that Ray Robert (definitely a young forward to watch in my opinion) was named player of the tournament and our young goalkeeper Seve Patrick the best ‘keeper. Congratulations to all the squad!
