There’s never been any doubt about the potential of former Everton man Josh Bowler.
This is a player the Toffees paid £4.25 million for when he was a precocious 18-year-old with one senior appearance under his belt, after all.
The only question was, would the former Queens Park Rangers starlet be given the opportunities he required to live up to those lofty expectations at Goodison Park?
When you consider Bowler joined Blackpool on a free transfer after four years and a grand total of zero Premier League games, it’s fair to say that question has been emphatically answered.
However, if Bowler harbours hopes of a future at the very top level of the English game, he won’t be short of inspiration.
The likes of Antonee Robinson, John Lundstram, Shane Duffy and Kieran Dowell came back stronger after dropping down the divisions.
And on the evidence of last night’s comprehensive 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Middlesbrough, don’t bet against Bowler doing the same as the winger bids to make up for lost time at Bloomfield Road.
- ‘MY DREAM’: £7m ace discusses Everton move, he’d jump at the chance
Will Everton regret letting Josh Bowler go?
He may have been overshadowed by another former Finch Farm prospect – right-back Callum Connolly did his best Maicon impression with a stunning volley to open the scoring against Neil Warnock’s side – but Bowler’s performance had those 5,000 Blackpool supporters drooling.
“Absolutely unplayable at times and a nightmare to defend against. Only thing missing was a goal on his first start.”
And, yes, the Blackpool Gazette did give him a well deserved nine out of ten.
Robinson, Lundstram, Duffy and Dowell wasted little time in climbing back to the Premier League after failing to make the grade at Goodison.
Bowler will hope to do the same.
Here’s what some Blackpool fans on Twitter had to say about Bowler’s performance:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
