Everton’s Kieran Dowell has launched himself on to Sam Allardyce’s radar following a sublime performance for Forest against Arsenal.
Kieran Dowell may have just fired himself into Sam Allardyce’s thoughts following a simply stunning display in Nottingham Forest’s 4-2 giant slaying performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Arsenal, who have won the competition three out of the last four years, drop out in the third round for the first time since Arsene Wenger took over in 1996.
Dowell, 20, has had a fairly impressive loan spell away from Everton in general, netting his first senior hat-trick from midfield and featuring as a regular for the Championship side.
Last night, however, Dowell took his game to a new level, assisting the first goal followed by some neat play which led to Forest’s first penalty. To top off a wonderful performance all round, Dowell stepped up to take his side’s second spot kick, which he duly converted despite slipping during his run up.
Everton are by no means short of options when it comes to attacking midfield. Captain Wayne Rooney and summer signing Gylfi Sigurdsson are the obvious choices, especially following Ross Barkley’s move away from Goodison Park to Stamford Bridge earlier this month.
On top of this Dowell would be competing with Davy Klaassen, another big money summer arrival, but with Rooney ageing and Dowell a passionate local boy who spent nine years in the Everton youth set up, perhaps Allardyce should consider retaining his services for next season.
To date, Dowell has only featured for Everton three times making his debut in 2014 in the Europa League. Still only 20, however, the U20 World Cup winner with England has undoubtedly given his parent club manager much food for thought following his performance against Arsenal.
What better way to prove you are Premier League quality than by producing the goods against a top six side?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
