Bangor born Nathan Broadhead has been in impressive form since being called up to join the Everton first team for their pre-season games.

The 21 year-old, regarded as one of Everton’s brightest prospects, has played in all three of the club’s matches this summer against Kariobangi Sharks, FC Sion and Monaco.

The youngster’s only first team game for Everton at senior level was in the Europa League back in December 2017 and he provided an assist that day in a 3-0 win against Apollon Limassol.

Broadhead, who plays on the wing or as a striker, is showing why he was such an important player for David Unsworth’s double-winning U23s last season, he was also named as the U23s player of the season.

Consistently in his three matches Broadhead has shown a good work ethic, strong pace, brilliant close control and the desire to beat opponents to create chances. All that’s missing so far is a goal, although Broadhead did show his Everton team-mates an example of his finishing ability at their pre-season training camp in Switzerland.

The youngster cut inside and curled in a brilliant goal into the top corner, leaving the Toffees number one Jordan Pickford helpless, which was met by applause from members of the senior squad.

With the start of the new Premier League season not far away, the performances of the U23s star raises some interesting questions about his future.

Everton manager Marco Silva said: “The boy is doing well.

“You are talking about a really young boy. He needs to get stronger as a player but he has the qualities I like in a player and I think he can really improve if he keeps working with me because the type of football we are working on everyday, helps him to show his quality.”

Silva is clearly impressed, but Everton aren’t finished in the transfer window either. Everton are looking for a new striker, but would they be willing to throw Broadhead in at the deep end if they were to start him next term, or will Silva will want a more experienced name to take on the burden of leading his team’s attack this season.

Main Photo: Liverpool Echo