Ronald Koeman praise should convince Daniel Agyei to swap Burnley for Everton

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Mason Holgate has lauded Ronald Koeman’s impact at Everton – Burnley striker Daniel Agyei could do worse than to take heed of his comments.

It’s strange to think that reports suggested Southampton chiefs were less than impressed with Ronald Koeman’s handling of their renowned youth academy.

After all, the Dutchman has embraced Everton’s traditions for blooding the next generation since swapping the South Coast for Goodison Park last summer, the club’s official website reports.

Tom Davies has evolved from reserve team star to one of the brightest midfield talents in the Premier League while the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Mason Holgate have enjoyed regular outings this season.

And Holgate, who followed in John Stones’ footsteps when joining Everton from Barnsley in 2015, admits that Koeman’s arrival has boosted the prospects of the club’s talented youngsters.

“A lot of the young ones have been given chances, me included, which is down to the manager,” Holgate, who has played 14 top flight games in a variety of defensive positions this season, told Everton’s official website.

“There’s been times when he hasn’t had to play us but he has because he believes in us, which is positive for us because if we are doing well we know we’re going to get a chance.

“It lifts you massively because you know that as long as you’re doing what you do, you’ll get a chance and as a young player you need to know there’s a progression and there’s definitely one here so all the young lads are enjoying it.”

Teenage Kicks

And Everton supporters will be hoping this message is relayed to Burnley striker Daniel Agyei. The 19-year-old has just a year remaining on his contract at Turf Moor and, according to the Daily Mirror, caught the eye of The Toffees with his pace and power marking him out as a potential star of the future.

Agyei, who scored four times in 16 games on loan at Coventry City earlier this season, has made three substitute appearances in the Premier League since March.

Though the teenager would surely feature more regularly under Koeman at Goodison Park. As Holgate made clear, if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.