'Outstanding' - Everton coach lauds sensation after what he did v Liverpool U21s

Everton teenager Omari Benjamin was lauded by the Under-21s coach Paul Tait for his performance against Liverpool Under-21s on 26 October.

The 18-year-old forward scored a brace as the Toffees beat their arch rivals in the mini-Merseyside derby 2-0.

While he did score both goals, Tait was more impressed with his work-rate rather than his ability to put the ball into the back of the net.

He said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo (28 October): “He will grab the headlines, the two goals are really good for him. Playing as a nine through the middle for us, his work rate again was outstanding and he got his rewards.

“His work rate and out of possession stuff is very good in terms of what we demand. He is not just a winger who is allowed to stand up there.

“He tracks his full-back and he does that really diligently but we said at half-time we wanted to try and get him in the game a bit more because we couldn’t get him in the game, we couldn’t get him down the left much, so we tweaked it a little bit and got him more on the ball and it worked.”

Omari Benjamin could be in line for a senior Everton call-up sooner rather than later

Benjamin’s performance against Liverpool in the Under-21s encounter showcases precisely the attributes that could catch the eye of the club’s senior staff, including Sean Dyche.

His brace against Liverpool wasn’t just about scoring; it was his relentless work rate and understanding of his defensive responsibilities that stood out.

Dyche, known for valuing players who work hard off the ball, would appreciate Benjamin’s willingness to track back and engage in the game defensively.

This holistic approach to his role, coupled with his goal-scoring ability, indicates a maturing footballer who could adapt to the demands of first-team football.

If the Welshman continues to demonstrate this level of commitment and improvement, alongside his natural talent, it’s plausible he could be invited to train with the first team, potentially leading to appearances in senior matches, especially in cup competitions or as a substitute, providing he maintains this form throughout the season.

In other Everton news, a director at a big-name European club is likely to join the Toffees board post The Friedkin Group takeover.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Outstanding' - Everton coach lauds sensation after what he did v Liverpool U21s appeared first on Goodison News.