Patrick Boyland: Reece Welch could get look-in if Everton injury woes continue
The Athletic journalist Patrick Boyland has tipped Everton starlet Reece Welch to get a look-in if the first-team injury woes continue.
Rafa Benitez has seen injuries plague his squad all season, and he watched helplessly as Brentford pipped his side to a 1-0 win on Sunday.
With the games coming in fast, the Everton boss could be forced to look at the under-23s to bolster his squad depth before the January transfer window opens, and Boyland reckons Welch, 18, could be getting a chance.
Asked on The Athletic website ahead of Sunday’s game which youth player he expects to get the next set of playing time if the Toffees injury woes continue, he replied: “Depends on the position, to be honest.
“Tyler Onyango, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ellis Simms closest.
“Keep an eye on centre back Reece Welch, though – he’s highly regarded and has a lot going in his favour.”
Top kid
Welch has caught the eye of director of football Marcel Brands, with his technical quality being utilised after David Unsworth’s side were told to focus more on playing out from the back [The Athletic].
The England under-20 international has featured in 12 Premier League 2 games and three EFL Trophy games for the under-23s this term, and with Yerry Mina still struggling with his fitness and Mason Holgate not impressing, could Benitez be tempted to feature him soon?
A lot of the senior players have been very poor of recent, and handing the kids chances to impress could be better.
Welch was named in Carlo Ancelotti’s matchday squad for the games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur in April, and he definitely has something in him to have impressed the Italian.
His senior Everton debut could be on the cards very soon, and Benitez should not hesitate to hand him an opportunity once he is convinced he is ready.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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