David Unsworth has lauded Tom Cannon and Lewis Dobbin after helping Everton win 2-0 at Derby County in the Premier League 2 on Monday, speaking with the Toffee’s club website.
Cannon has blown Unsworth away with the rate the youngster has improved in the Blues’ youth side this season. The 19-year-old broke into the Merseyside outfit’s B-Team last term with a string of cameo appearances. But he has since kicked on with a flourish in 2021/22.
The Republic of Ireland U19 international made his 11th PL2 start of the season so far away to Derby. He marked the occasion by breaking the deadlock 19-minutes into the Division 1 meeting with a brilliant solo effort for his fifth goal of the campaign over 17 appearances.
Cannon found the top corner after collecting possession 25-yards from goal and later hit a second of the game. Seb Quirk found the Aintree-born forward in the box midway through the second-half and despite scuffing his shot, Cannon turned the ball in off his other leg.
The Rams win saw Cannon score twice in a U23s fixture for the first time. He had hit home 29 in 42 games for the Blues’ U18s over the past three seasons – including 12 in 24 games last term. The forward is yet to feature in a first-team matchday squad in any competition.
Unsworth hails ‘dangerous’ Dobbin and Everton U23 gem Cannon
Cannon has impressed Unsworth with his development in Everton’s U23s so far this season and scoring twice against Derby. The Toffees’ youth boss also praises Dobbin for his efforts at the Loughborough University Stadium, despite failing to score.
“We all know about Tom’s goalscoring,” Unsworth said. “He does the hardest thing in the game, he puts the ball in the back of the net. We just need to get the other areas of his game up to speed, and he’s done so well this year.
“He’s developed at a really fast rate, and we’re all delighted for him… I thought Tom linked up really well with Lewis.
“Lewis was at the top of his game, he looked so dangerous and sharp. The only thing that was missing from his performance was a goal and their ‘keeper made a couple of great saves from him. On another night, he and Tom could have had hat-tricks.”
Dobbin has shone for Everton’s U23s under Unsworth this season and penned a long-term contract in January as his reward. Rafa Benitez also gave the 19-year-old his senior debut in September before three further substitute outings. He is yet to play under Frank Lampard.
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