By Pranav Shahaney

6th Oct, 2021 | 5:01pm

Everton youngster Jenson Metcalfe included in Guardian Next Gen list

Everton midfielder Jenson Metcalfe has been named as the best player at the club in the age bracket of players born between 1 September 2004 and 31 August 2005.

In Guardian’s Next Generation 2021: 20 of the best talents at Premier League clubs, journalist Andy Hunter has included the 17-year-old midfield sensation.

Metcalfe joined the club at the under-5 level and has come up the ranks at Finch Farm to currently represent the under-23s.

He also signed a professional contract with the Toffees after he turned 17.

In a recent interview, Metcalfe said, “I see myself as a tempo-setter, so I look up to Sergio Busquets. He’s so relaxed on the ball.”

Exciting prospect

Finch Farm has produced plenty of talented players over the past few years, and Metcalfe is certainly one of the brightest sparks of this next generation.

At 17, he’s already playing with players that are five years his senior and he seems to be at home there.

Given how he’s progressing, we will not be surprised if he makes his senior debut in a couple of years.

In the Guardian piece, Hunter has waxed his lyrical in a glowing review written on the website.

He wrote, “A real competitor with an outstanding passing range, Metcalfe can play off both feet, has impressive technical ability and is a dead-ball specialist.”

Having someone doing all these things at 17 makes one wonder just how good he will be in his mid-20s.

Hopefully, he realises his potential on Merseyside and is not poached by one of the bigger clubs in the land.

In other Everton news, CL club plot summer move for ‘Excellent’ Toffees player on high wages – report

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