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David Unsworth raves about Ellis Simms’ progress over last two months

Tony McArdle - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images
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Everton appear to have a talent on their hands in Ellis Simms.

Ellis Simms of Everton celebrates goal during the Premier League 2 match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park on September 16, 2019 in Liverpool, England.

Everton Under-23 boss David Unsworth has told the club’s official website that he has been impressed with striker Ellis Simms since he returned for pre-season training.

The Toffees first team lost 3-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, but it was the turn of the club’s young players on Monday night.

Everton’s Under-23’s took on Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park, and came away with a 2-1 win to give fans another glimpse of a bright future.

Lewis Gibson gave Everton the lead before Joseph Rankin-Costello equalised for Rovers, only for striker Simms to score a second half winner for the Toffees.

18-year-old striker Simms joined Everton from Manchester City in 2017, and he caught the eye last season with 32 goals just 21 Under-18 Premier League games.

Fans are backing Simms for a bright future, and whilst he was a substitute last night, it’s clear that there are high hopes for the teenager at Goodison Park.

Now, coach Unsworth has praised Simms for his work over the last two months, believing that his development since pre-season has seen him improve at holding up the play and with his movement.

David Unsworth during the Premier League 2 Match between Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on April 15, 2019 in Liverpool, England.

Unsworth noted that Simms is a work in progress, but his comments will certainly excite Everton fans about the striker’s future.

“I can’t praise Ellis enough for the work he has done since we came back for pre-season on 1 July,” said Unsworth. “He is a work in progress, but he is a natural goalscorer. We’re asking to him to play in a way that brings others into the game, too, showing work-rate and holding up the play. His movement when he came on tonight was exactly what we’ve been working on with him, and we’re delighted with that.”

“The goal will do his confidence the world of good, but I was more excited about his movement to get in behind and get that opportunity. And when he gets into those positions, we know he’ll finish,” he added.

Ellis Simms (R) of Everton in action during the Premier League 2 match between Everton and Blackburn Rovers at Goodison Park on September 16, 2019 in Liverpool, England.