Back in August, Southampton pulled off a shock transfer deal as they lured the precocious Thierry Small away from Everton.
The 17-year-old is expected to do big things in football, and has even been compared to Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies.
Everton were, understandably, devastated to lose him, although they are expected to receive a £5m compensation fee for their troubles (Hampshire Live).
Now, however, we think Small will be the one feeling a bit of devastation.
What’s the story?
Well, it’s all change at Goodison Park as Frank Lampard has arrived to replace Rafa Benitez, who failed miserably after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti.
The 43-year-old has decided to hire Ashley Cole as part of his backroom staff, while keeping Duncan Ferguson on the books as well.
It’s a strong team, made even more effective by the fact Leighton Baines is also still involved with the Toffees as Professional Development Coach.
In our view, Lampard’s decision to hire Cole is the thing that will upset Small.
Southampton starlet could’ve learned from the best at Everton
Had Small stayed at Everton, he would’ve been able to learn directly from two of the best left-backs in Premier League history.
Aged just 17, Small presumably watched the likes of Cole and Baines dominate the Premier League on a weekly basis, while he honed his skills as a promising left-back.
Now, he’s miles away from the English duo on the south coast, where Ralph Hasenhuttl hasn’t used him once.
The Athletic explain that Small departed Everton in search of first-team opportunities.
At the time of writing, the teenager is yet to appear for Southampton’s first-team, and has only played Premier League 2 football – which is what he was doing at Everton.
In truth, he was probably closer to the first-team at Goodison Park, where he’d been already been given five minutes of senior action in the FA Cup.
In hindsight, Small’s decision to force a move away from Everton in August has backfired tremendously.
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