Everton youngster Tom Cannon has delivered a defiant message to manager Frank Lampard. Talking to the Liverpool Echo, he claimed he is ‘ready for this level’.
The 19-year-old came off the bench in a friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers and found the back of the net. He’d played their previous friendly against Celtic too, again off the bench.
Also, the 19-year-old was given the opportunity to play against AFC Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, in another bench cameo, at the start of the month. He’s even got a chance to play in the Premier League, in another substitute cameo, also against Bournemouth.
Here’s what Cannon had to say about his goal for Everton in pre-season, “I’m ready for this level.”
“It feels unreal. It hasn’t quite settled in yet. It’s a moment I’m very pleased with, just delighted,” he added.
TIF’s view on Cannon’s comments…
We believe that Cannon certainly has a lot of confidence for such a young player. However, that’s not an issue at all, to make it at the top, you have to back your abilities.
He’s proving so far he has got that ability, Cannon has six goals in 10 appearances for Everton’s under-21s this season. Furthermore, he has 27 goals in 37 appearances for the club’s under-18s, so he’s clearly a very deadly centre-forward.
After getting some chances in the first team, it’s likely we could see more of the Toffees’ prospect. Everton are certainly lacking in the goal department this season, being one of the lowest scorers this season. So far they’ve only netted 12 times, only West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have less.
In addition, they’re only a point off the relegation zone. So, perhaps Frank Lampard may take a chance on Cannon and give him more league opportunities with Dominic Calvert-Lewin experiencing his own struggles.
However, it looks as if the club will be looking for a new striker in January. One report states that they’re lining up a move for Issahaku Fatawu of Sporting CP.
However, Fatawu plays more as a winger than a striker. So why they’re looking at bringing him in is unclear, but he did have a fantastic return in the Ghanaian league with six goals in seven games.