‘Delighted’ Everton coach says 18-year-old will have a bright future if one thing happens

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David Unsworth has told the Liverpool Echo that Everton prospect Katia Kouyate will have a bright future once the striker has got up to speed in the Toffees’ Under-23s squad again.

Kouyate enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, but a hamstring tendon injury brought his campaign to an early end. Unsworth awarded the forward his U23s debut aged 17 last November, and saw him deliver a number of impressive displays.

The Manchester-born attacker is still waiting for his first goal in the Blues’ development side. But marked his return to PL2 action this term by recording his first assist, finding Stanley Mills to score in defeat away to West Ham United earlier this month.

Kouyate has been working to regain his fitness over the opening months of a difficult term for Unsworth’s Everton hopefuls. The Toffees’ junior side have only won one of their seven PL2 fixtures so far, to five defeats. Leaving the Merseysiders 13th in the 14-team standings.

Unsworth also fielded Kouyate as Everton lost 2-0 away to Carlisle United in the EFL Trophy in September. Coming on for the final 25-minutes at Brunton Park, but unable to showcase the potential that pleases Unsworth.

“I was delighted with Katia,” he said. “He showed some glimpses, some real flashes of pace and directness and power. Once he gets up to the level of Under-23 football, he’s going to be a good player. I was delighted. He did himself no harm and I’m very proud of him.”

Kouyate to enjoy big season in Everton U23s under Unsworth?

Kouyate will hope he enjoys another big season to continue his progress in Everton’s U23s under Unsworth this term. The 18-year-old is establishing a place for himself in the Toffees’ development side, but is yet to secure one position.

Unsworth has fielded Kouyate at striker and on either wing since his promotion from U18 action last year. The English prospect also featured across the frontline in the Blues’ youth side and in a supporting striker role.

He can offer the Merseysiders a dynamic presence in attack, with speed and power to impress. But Kouyate will want to hone in on one area to build on Unsworth’s praise and his place at Everton. Thus, fulfilling his potentially bright future once back to full fitness.