Tyler Onyango unlikely to be handed Everton first-team push
Rafa Benitez believes Everton sensation Tyler Onyango is not ready for the first team, despite showing plenty of promise for the developmental sides.
The 18-year-old has been training with the first team since recovering from an ankle fracture in April.
An injury to Abdoulaye Doucoure, put the young midfielder in contention for first-team minutes, but Benitez claims it’s too soon for him.
As shared by The Liverpool Echo, he said, “He is a lad that has been injured for three or four months, he has the potential. He has to keep training with his team, keep playing games with his team and training with the first team sometimes and we will decide when he is ready.
“If you want a clear answer if he is ready? I think it is still a little bit early for him but he has the potential, yes, and we want to manage his potential and not send him in too early and then people could say ‘he’s not as good’ so it is important we give him the chance when he is fully ready. I don’t want to send the player in too early if it’s not necessary.”
Give him a chance
Everton look extremely thin in midfield and it won’t be the worst idea to give Onyango a chance in the first team.
He’s training with the senior players and knows the style of play Benitez demands from them.
Unlike most players in the side, he is capable of playing the Doucoure, albeit not at the same level as the Frenchman himself.
Speaking about him earlier this year on the Liverpool Echo’s Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast, their journalist Adam Jones said, “I think he’s hugely energetic, he’s got a good amount of pace on him himself. He’s very physical for his age, but I think his ability on the ball is what sets him apart.
“He’s scored three goals for the under-23s over the last few months. I think he’s got a lot in his locker.”
Goals from midfield are something that Everton have been lacking over the last few years and with the right coaching, they could get that from Onyango.
Hopefully, he manages to stay fit for the next few months and keeps impressing Benitez at Finch Farm because there’s clearly a talented player here and the Spaniard is the right man to get the best out of him.
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