Everton striker Ellis Simms wows former coach with first Premier League goal, he was always a ‘very intelligent’ player
Everton striker Ellis Simms was destined to play at the top from a young age, and has always been a “very intelligent” player, according to his former coach Tim Norman.
The 22-year-old netted his first Toffees goal with a well-taken equaliser in the Premier League draw with Chelsea on Saturday (18 March).
Simms has been handed minutes by manager Sean Dyche in recent matches, with the point against the Blues edging the Merseyside outfit away from the relegation zone.
“My first thought was that I was not surprised that he’s playing at that level,” said Norman, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo. “You can spot the special talents early on really.
“Ellis was always a very intelligent all-round player. You saw that with his move to put the ball away but also with his strength and picking his spot.
“That was the thing with him as a young player with us, he was always very calm in front of goal.”
Making an impact
Simms has had to be patient for regular playing time in an Everton shirt, with the youngsters sent out on loan three times since moving to the Toffees in 2020.
But as loan spells go, Simms can look back with his head held high, scoring goals at Blackpool in League One, Sunderland in the Championship and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
And while the striker is already planning his future steps, there will no doubt be a small part of him that cannot stop thinking about his goal at Stamford Bridge.
Demarai Gray has been leading the line lately under Dyche, and while the player looks set to continue in that role following the international break, Simms is certainly not a bad option to have from the bench.
The Toffees have very tricky fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United up next, with Simms undoubtedly desperate to once again have that unforgettable feeling of hitting the back of the net.