Patrick Boyland praises ‘Superb’ Charlie Whitaker after he scores U23 hattrick
Charlie Whitaker scored a hattrick for Everton under-23s on Friday and Athletic journalist Patrick Boyland raved about his performance.
The 17-year-old has been in brilliant goalscoring form for Everton U18s this season, with 11 goals in 21 league games, and he replicated that form against Southampton U23s.
Everton U23s ran out 4-0 winners and the result means they have jumped above Manchester United in the Premier League 2 table, into fifth place.
And Boyland was impressed with what he saw from the youngster, tweeting, “He’s been superb”.
Exciting times
While the season may have tailed off into disappointment for Carlo Ancelotti and the senior team, there are plenty of positives to take in regard to our young players.
Anthony Gordon has impressed in his limited chances for the first-team this season and U23 boss David Unsworth has also raved about some of our youngsters.
He has described both Whitaker and Lewis Warrington as “terrific” [Liverpool Echo], and really rates the former since he has called him up to the U23 side, despite his age.
It is important for these prospects to get a taste of senior football, either at Goodison or out on loan.
Gordon joined Preston in January and although things have not always gone his way, he has likely learned a great deal and will come back to Everton as an improved player.
We trust Ancelotti is the right man to guide our young players and if they show the right temperament they should get their chance.
And if Whitaker continues his fine form it may be impossible to ignore him over the next couple of years.
In other Everton news, Michael Owen has predicted the winner in ‘narrow’ Everton clash v West Ham.
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