Everton U23 coach David Unsworth is convinced that Thierry Small will go from strength-to-strength after a stand-out performance in Everton’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United, as he told the Toffees’ website.
At the age of 16, one of the most exciting teenage full-backs in English football is already shining well above his age-group.
Small rapidly outgrew the Under 18 pond and is now starting to feature regularly at Premier League 2 level, scoring the opener against West Ham’s reserves on Monday night.
The Mail reported just a few weeks ago that some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Arsenal, Juventus and Bayern Munich, are keeping tabs on the one-time West Brom youngster.
But, on yesterday’s evidence, Small could have a big role to play at Everton sooner rather than later.
“Thierry’s a forward-thinking full-back,” Unsworth explained of a teenager who has been compared to Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies due to his explosive pace.
“Defensively, he has lots he can work on but there are things we can put into his game. He’ll only get better.
“He got some crucial minutes tonight. These lads are getting games because they deserve to play for the Under-23s.”
Small was pictured training with Everton’s first-team before the 1-0 triumph over Chelsea on Saturday.
His stellar performances at youth-team level have seemingly caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti and, with Lucas Digne absent until the New Year, don’t be surprised if Small makes a first-team debut during a gruelling festive fixture schedule.
The prolific Ellis Simms scored the second against West Ham – his seventh in ten PL2 games this season – while Joao Virginia made a series of fine saves in goal.
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