Everton youngster Ishe Samuels-Smith has been tipped as one to watch for the future in The Guardian’s latest edition of their ‘Next Generation’ list.
Journalist Andy Hunter has identified the defender as the standout exciting talent coming out of Finch Farm having already shown his dominance at youth level.
The Manchester-born left-back has already become a prominent feature in England’s youth setup with recent appearances at U16 and U17 level (via Transfermarkt).
Although it has not been the best of starts for the Everton U18 side, Samuels-Smith has featured in every minute of the opening three games in the U18 Premier League.
With the 16-year-old making his mark on the international stage, Hunter has hailed the versatile defender, who can also play at centre-back.
He wrote: “An athletic, left-footed defender who is equally composed at full-back or centre-back, the Manchester-born Samuels-Smith has been with Everton’s academy since Under-nines level. His twin brother, Odin, is also in the academy. The 16-year-old has impressive technical qualities and is very composed offensively and defensively.
“He is comfortable stepping into space with the ball and has an excellent passing range. Everton’s coaches consider him an exciting prospect who could mature into a dominant and robust defender. Has already been called up for training with the first team where coach Ashley Cole, and professional development coach Leighton Baines, offer the perfect education for a player in his position.”
TIF Thoughts on Hunter’s comments…
It is apparent from Hunter’s comments that Samuels-Smith is impressing, having already made 20 appearances in the U18 Premier League.
Does Lampard give youth players enough opportunities?
Yes
No
So it will be interesting to see how he is able to cope when he eventually makes the move up to U21 level, although that may have to wait, with that particular Everton side making an impressive start to the new campaign.
And as Hunter mentioned, having both Leighton Baines and Ashley Cole at the club will surely only further his development and potentially bring him into the scope of the first team in years to come.