Unsworth: Ancelotti keeping a particular eye on one Everton youngster
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is regarded as one of the best coaches in the world, and one of the reasons for that is his dedication to the game.
He rarely takes time off, seemingly floating from one elite club to the next, eventually settling at Goodison Park.
So it’s no surprise that when he’s on the job – even in the middle of a supposed ‘winter break’ – he’s still working.
He was certainly doing that last Sunday, when he oversaw a practice match behind-closed-doors which featured both first team stars and young prospects.
According to the Toffees’ Under-23s boss David Unsworth, Jarrad Branthwaite, Kyle John and Alex Denny all took part in the 60-minute game.
“He [Branthwaite] trained with the first team in that game. The manager wanted to have a look at him so he trained with Kyle John in that game, and they’ll be training with the first team tomorrow [Tuesday],” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“So again we lose a couple of players late, but Joe [Anderson] and Manasse [Mampala] came in and did a great job. We adjusted, but it’s great that they’re getting the exposure at first team level, it’s what it’s all about.
“Alex Denny [took part in the game] as well.”
So, Ancelotti has his eye on Branthwaite, eh?
That’s the big takeaway here, certainly. Yes, three of them played in the game and, yes, two of them went on to train again with the first team, but Branthwaite is the one Unsworth says Ancelotti has his eye on.
That’s a huge feather in the cap of the young centre back, who only joined the club from Carlisle United last month.
It’s clear that he’s already made quite the impression on the Toffees boss, which is fantastic for him.
He’ll still be a long way away from breaking into the first team side, but training with the senior squad can only help him moving forward.
In other Everton news, the club’s supporters have been going crazy for a tweet from a first team player.