Everton’s talented young quartet of Callum Connolly, Kieran Dowell, Ademola Lookman and Henry Onyekuru could feature for Everton next season.
Following strong spells elsewhere, Everton academy graduates Callum Connolly and Kieran Dowell, along with forward Ademola Lookman and winger Henry Onyekuru, must be worthy of first-team chances next season.
Ipswich Town fans took to social media recently to express their desire to sign Connolly on a permanent deal. In an ideal world, however, the Liverpool born 20-year-old should be considered for first-team duties at the Toffees after featuring 24 times for the Tractor Boys in the Championship.
Connolly’s ability to slot in as a holding midfielder or further forward, and anywhere across a defensive line, will only boost his chances of breaking through.
England U21 international Kieran Dowell began the season in electric form for struggling Nottingham Forest, although his contributions have tailed off recently.
The 20-year-old was integral to Everton U23’s Premier League 2 title success last season, playing more minutes than any other teammate and chipping in with five goals and seven assists.
Dowell has followed that up with nine goals and four assists in the Championship and, despite uncertainty among Forest fans, could enhance an underachieving forward line.
Somewhat unusually, Ademola Lookman spent the first half of the season with Everton before Sam Allardyce allowed him to join Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on loan.
A debut winner away at Borussia Monchengladbach helped Leipzig remain in contention for successive Champions League qualifications and his direct, pacy wing play can complement Theo Walcott and Yannick Bolasie.
Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru can also compete for a place on Everton’s stagnant left flank. The 20-year-old has nine goals in 19 league appearances for Belgian Pro League runners-up Anderlecht this term.
While many more experienced players have underperformed this season, youngsters like Tom Davies, Jonjoe Kenny, Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have generally impressed.
The Toffees must look to utilise their impressive prospects in their quest to return to European football.
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