David Unsworth has lauded his Everton youngsters once again as they maintain their march towards the Premier League 2 title.
Ronald Koeman’s relationship with young players remains somewhat murky. The Dutchman may have reaped the rewards for shunting Tom Davies into the limelight at Everton but, during his two years on the South Coast with Southampton, rumours abounded that Koeman’s apparent mistrust of the next generation lead to divisions with the board.
In fact, as reported by the Daily Echo, the 53-year-old went as far as to publically reveal that the Saints’ academy stars were not up to scratch midway through his second season. Though it’s unlikely you’ll catch him making the same admission about Everton’s latest crop of fresh-faced talents.
The Liverpool Echo claims that Koeman was present in the stands for only the second time this season as the Everton Under-23s restored their six point lead at the top of the Premier League 2 table thanks to a 2-0 win against, ironically, Southampton.
And academy boss David Unsworth could hardly supress his delight with the back four in particular warranting praise aplenty.
“I hope everybody impressed the manager,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“I thought Matty Pennington was faultless with young Morgan Feeney again, Jonjoe Kenny and Antonee Robinson at full-back were awesome.
“One or two, certainly, have put themselves in the window which is great. It’s what we want.”
22-year-old Pennington has been singled out on numerous occasions by Unsworth for his ‘Rolls Royce’ performances after recovering from a hamstring injury that restricted his chances of adding to his five first-team appearances.
However, with Everton light in reserve in the full-back positions, perhaps Koeman could take a leaf out of his former club’s book and hand Kenny and Robinson an opportunity to impress before the temptation of the transfer market takes hold.
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