Funes Mori turned out for Everton’s Under-23 side on Monday night.
Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has told the club’s official website that 18-year-old defender Con Ouzounidis is one to watch for the future after playing alongside the teenager on Monday night.
Funes Mori, 27, featured for the third time in David Unsworth’s second string as he looks to finally return to the senior side after a year on the sidelines following a long-term knee injury suffered while on international duty.
The former River Plate defender lined up alongside Everton outcast Davy Klaassen as the Toffees beat Swansea City 2-0, thanks to an exquisite free-kick from skipper Anthony Evans before Ouzounidis scored Everton’s second with a header.
Funes Mori was full of praise for his centre-back partner following the win over Swansea, stating that he has got a “really good future” as the Toffees continue to build a reputation for boasting an excellent academy system.
“I think he’s [Ouzounidis] got a really good future,” said Funes Mori. “The Under-23s are good lads and they are very good players. To be part of the Under-23s you have to show respect.
“I have to give my best for the respect of Unsy [boss David Unsworth] and all the staff, and do my best to show that I can play for the first team.“
Ouzounidis is yet to make his senior debut for the Toffees, with centre-back competition at Goodison Park rife. The likes of Funes Mori, Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane, Ashley Williams and Mason Holgate remain in the first team.
Funes Mori could now be in line for a return to the Blues’ senior team this weekend, as the Merseyside club look to put a poor 2-1 defeat to Burnley behind them with three points against Brighton at Goodison Park.
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