Kieran Dowell has stated that he is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Everton academy product Tom Davies next season.
Midfielder Davies recently concluded a breakthrough season on Merseyside by helping Ronald Koeman secure a top-seven spot in the Premier League.
The 18-year-old made his debut in August but caught the eye of the fans when he produced a stunning Man of the Match display during the 4-0 win against Manchester City in January.
During that encounter, the highly-rated teenager scored a brilliant solo goal for his side which then enabled him to cement a regular place in the side.
Attacking midfielder Dowell, who has come through the same ranks as Davies, has been watching on from the under-23’s and he made it clear he wants to emulate his fellow teammate.
“It’s unbelievable to see him walking out with the first team and to watch him dominate games how he does every week,” Dowell told the club’s official website.
“He’s shown that it can be done. It gives you a boost because we’ve both been in similar situations in that we’ve come through the Academy. I want to follow suit now and do the same.
“I feel really good at the moment and I have learned a lot from this season. I’ve worked hard and I’ve improved – and now I want to take that into next season.”
Despite failing to represent the senior side, Dowell enjoyed a successful season for the Everton youngsters, playing in a variety of midfield roles.
The 19-year-old, who scored five goals and supplied seven assists from seven Premier League 2 matches, played as a right midfielder, attacking midfielder and left-sided midfielder.
Dowell will be hoping to break into the first team set-up next term, with Koeman proving that he is happy to give an opportunity to the younger members of the side or those in the academy.