Former Everton man Michael Ball has heaped huge praise on the club’s youngster Ademola Lookman after his cameo appearance against Watford on the weekend.
The 20-year-old was brought early in the second-half and he produced an inspiring display which enabled the Toffees to make a remarkable turnaround and come away with a 3-2 win.
Although he failed to score or provide an assist, the youngster added some much needed pace to the side and he was a constant threat on the wing.
The England Under-20 international has struggled for regular game time this season following his permanent move to Goodison Park in January.
Despite scoring on his debut against Manchester City last season, Lookman has only featured twice in the Premier League this time around.
Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, Ball is confident that he could be one for the future but he completely understands why he hasn’t been a regular starter this season.
“Ademola Lookman was a breath of fresh air when he came on against Watford, which has led some people to ask why he didn’t start the game,” he wrote.
“Lookman is an undoubted talent – but he has also been caught out a few times defensively on the rare occasions we’ve seen him this season.
“David Unsworth obviously wanted to set up a team which would be difficult to beat, which is why he only started the one game of his four – in the Europa League in Lyon.
“But after the impact he had on Sunday we might be seeing a bit more of him some time soon.”
OPINION
Lookman must be given his chance from the start in the Premier League for the Toffees. Although Ball claims that he is not the best defensively, this shouldn’t prevent him from getting a run in the side as his pace and fearless attitude is something that has been lacking throughout the squad this season. The youngster proved throughout the summer with the Under-20 national team that he has the character to lead a team and the Toffees must give him more opportunities to prove himself at the top level. Whoever is given the hot seat on Merseyside, they need to trust Lookman as he could be the man to help the Toffees climb up the league table.