Everton winger Andros Townsend appears to have been very impressed by three of the young prospects emerging at Goodison Park.
Rafael Benitez was keen to reunite with Townsend having worked together at Newcastle United in 2016.
Released by Crystal Palace this summer, Townsend has joined Everton for free and already has a goal and assist to his name.
At 30, you would forgive Townsend for focusing on the here and now. Who knows how many Premier League moves he has after this?
Yet Townsend has now admitted that he is prepared to take on something of a mentor role to Everton’s young players, naming three he rates highly.
Townsend picked out Anthony Gordon for particular praise; the winger is staying at Everton after a loan move to Preston didn’t really reap rewards last season.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Townsend noted that Gordon has ‘explosive pace’ and is somewhat similar to Townsend himself as a teenager.
Townsend also praised striker Lewis Dobbin, whilst versatile forward Nathan Broadhead – currently on loan at Sunderland – has impressed Townsend too.
“There are good youngsters here,” said Townsend. “Anthony Gordon, Nathan Broadhead, Lewis Dobbin who we’ve seen in training a few times and he came on against Manchester United.”
“I can help these guys in any way they need. Gordon’s got explosive pace, probably similar to when I was 19, 20, 21 coming through. Hopefully I can help him, guide him and get him to not make the mistakes that I made at that age. I’m looking forward to seeing how these youngsters progress over this next year or so,” he added.
With the help of Townsend, Everton could have a few attacking players emerging in the first team over the coming years.
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