Everton could now have future star on their hands after what Omari Benjamin did last week
Everton could now have a future star on their hands after what Omari Benjamin did for their U-21s side against Tottenham.
The 18-year-old scored the winner for the Toffees youth team in their 2-1 victory over Spurs in Premier League 2 on Saturday (2 March).
The Liverpool Echo reported on its website on Monday (4 March) that the Welsh U-19 international is on trial with the Blues after coming through the ranks with Arsenal.
It was quite the impression from the teenager as his second-half goal proved to be enough to secure the victory for Everton in North London.
After the Spurs keeper wasn’t able to palm a low effort away from danger, Benjamin quickly pounced on the loose ball and tapped it into the net, showing his predatory instinct inside the box.
It’s unclear exactly what his situation is at the Emirates, but he could be a promising prospect for the Toffees if they decide to sign him.
The teenager has racked up an impressive record for the Gunners’ U-18s, having scored 18 goals and laid on four assists in 30 appearances, including four strikes this season.
But his opportunities at the next grade up have been fairly limited after making just six appearances for their U-21s team.
That has likely prompted Benjamin into taking up the offer of a trial with the Blues, where the coaches at Finch Farm will be assessing whether or not he could make the grade on Merseyside.
His first appearance will have no doubt have caught their attention as he looks to secure a permanent deal with the club.
It’s still obviously extremely early days for the Welshman with Everton, but Sean Dyche would certainly like to see more academy products challenge for a place in the senior side.
While several youngsters have joined in with training sessions and taken up spots on the bench on matchdays under the Toffees boss, only star defender Jarrad Branthwaite and academy product Lewis Dobbin have really been able to nail down a spot in the squad.
But there is an opportunity for exciting talents to force their way into the reckoning and Benjamin will no doubt be looking to catch Dyche’s eye if he can earn a permanent deal at Goodison.
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