The Liverpool Echo’s Adam Jones has heaped praise on Tyler Onyango following his first-team debut for Everton against Sheffield Wednesday.
During the Toffees’ 3-0 victory against the Owls in the FA Cup fourth round, Onyango was introduced for Andre Gomes late in the second half (per BBC).
Also making his debut for Everton that day was Thierry Small, who became the youngest debutant ever to play for the Merseyside outfit (as per Daily Mail).
Small broke the record of Jose Baxter, who made his debut aged 16 years and 191 days, which the new record holder shaved 15 days off against Wednesday.
In the latest episode of the Liverpool Echo’s Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast, Jones spent some time discussing the youngsters’ performances and heaped praise on Onyango.
He said: “I’d say he fits into that box-to-box mould, if anything. I don’t think he really compares to many of the midfielders that Everton have got at the minute.
“I think he’s hugely energetic, he’s got a good amount of pace on him himself. He’s very physical for his age, but I think his ability on the ball is what sets him apart.
“He’s scored three goals for the under-23s over the last few months. I think he’s got a lot in his locker.
“I think, defensively, if he’s going to be a box-to-box midfielder, there are a few areas that he can improve.
“But I think he’s got all the attributes that it’s going to take for him to be a success in the future and I really do hope he gets more opportunities in the first team.”
TIF Thoughts on what Adam Jones said about Tyler Onyango…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say about Onyango, he believes that the youngster is capable of being a “success” at Goodison Park.
Would you like to see Carlo Ancelotti play academy players more often?
Yes, he could do more
No, it's not necessary
Despite coming on with little of the game left, the 17-year-old midfielder still managed to have seven touches of the ball and make five passes with 100% accuracy (per WhoScored).
So, those figures would certainly suggest that he gave a good account of himself having been brought on with around five minutes of normal time remaining.