Everton: Phil McNulty makes ‘disturbing’ academy claim amid ‘outstanding’ Liverpool comparison
Everton fans will be worried after Sean Dyche explained the lack of first-team-ready academy players at the club.
That is according to BBC Sport journalist Phil McNulty, who suggested that city rivals Liverpool are at the opposite end to the Toffees in this regard.
The Reds recently lifted the Carabao Cup trophy, with many academy products having played amid injuries to several first-team stars.
When asked if football authorities could implement a ruling on having academy players in matchday squads on BBC Sport, McNulty replied: “It’s a difficult one, as all clubs operate different policies but given their current Academy strike rate Liverpool could fill their squad with a host of quality young players.
“They have been outstanding and a lot of them already have trophy-winning experience after the Carabao Cup Final. It must surely be an area clubs will look to foster now because it helps with FFP.
“Looking across Stanley Park, it would have been disturbing for Everton fans to hear manager Sean Dyche talk about the lack of first-team-ready Academy talent coming through there, because for clubs who are in financial difficulties, the Academy will become increasingly important.”
Academy products not on Sean Dyche’s mind at Everton
Having a top academy is very important for football clubs, with its significance highlighted by what has happened at Liverpool lately.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has had to heavily rely on young talent given the injury situation at Anfield, but it hasn’t had much of a negative impact on their success.
At Everton, things are very different, with the Goodison Park faithful certainly not seeing many academy players break into the first-team in recent times.
In Dyche’s defence, the man in the dugout has had a lot to deal with since joining, both on and off the pitch, with academy products undoubtedly not at the top of his list of priorities.
And that won’t change this season, with the manager simply focusing on keeping the Merseyside outfit in the Premier League.
That won’t be an easy task, with the Goodison Park club currently occupying 16th place in the table, four points above the relegation zone, with another points deduction potentially going their way.
In other Everton news, a BBC Sport pundit has made a relegation claim live on air after what happened to Luton Town.
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.