Everton’s dramatic last-gasp equaliser against Liverpool in Goodison Park’s final derby was a fitting end to the games against Liverpool in the historic stadium.
An even game saw Everton squander a number of chances before being hit by a Mo Salah sucker punch before James Tarkowski scored a stunning volley and made the collective heads of all of the Liverpool players and staff fall off simultaneously.
Unfortunately for Everton the game was marred by an injury to Illiman Ndiaye, who has quickly become Everton’s most potent attacking threat. He joins Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, Youssouf Chermiti, Dwight McNeil and the suspended Abdoulaye Doucoure as a potential absentee and it will leave Everton very short if he is out for any period of time.
Everton do have Charly Alcaraz to potentially step in for Doucoure, while Jack Harrison could also step in as he did for Ndiaye during the derby. Lindstrom, who has excelled at right wing back in a hybrid role, could be move forward with Ashley Young able to step in if needed – but Everton’s options remain painfully thin.
David Moyes will almost definitely have to turn to the under 21s to pad out his bench and potentially even give minutes to youngsters as the injury crisis deepens. Here are some of the options.
Martin Sherif
Dutch youth striker Sherif has risen through the ranks of the Everton system and certainly looks the part. An out-an-out striker, he is big and strong, with plenty of pace to break the back line. Singled out for his composure in front of goal by coaching staff, he has been working on his hold up play by modelling himself on Calvert-Lewin. That hints he may not be ready for the physicality of the Premier League but as a backup for when Beto’s legs are heavy he certainly has tools to get some minutes.
Read more: Martin Sherif – Marcel Brand’s last gift to Everton as striker nears first team breakthrough
Isaac Heath
Isaac Heath was heading for a departure from Everton in the summer. Now aged 20, he has been at Everton since the age of 13 and has always been one of the most talented in the youth sides thanks to his excellent technical ability and his prowess at dribbling. He also likes to score goals and his calmness and creativity on the ball makes him a modern footballer.
This year he has stepped up a level, becoming one of the star performers for the u21s as a winger and a player who can perform in the centre too. He scored a stunner on the opening day of the season and has impressed a number of times with assists and goals. He was called up to first team training by Sean Dyche back in October and was on the bench during the Merseyside derby.
On signing his first professional contract with Everton he said: “Everton means a lot to me; it’s a club I support now, and I’ll work hard every single day to get into the senior team. It’s my biggest dream, and every day I have that dream of walking out at Goodison Park.”
Omari Benjamin
Everton signed Benjamin from Arsenal in the summer and he has proved an instant hit at u21 level. Able to play on the wing or up front, he is a quick-footed, skilful player with excellent movement in the box and an eye for goal.
He scored three in his first seven games at u21 level and the highlight was the winner in the u21 derby late last year. He has also netted in the EFL Cup against Football League opposition and despite not appearing on the bench yet he seems most likely to be the next to step up to the first team.
The Wales youth international is physically strong and looks ready for the rough and tumble of the Premier League. While he is unlikely to start his versatility and impressive u21 could mean some time on the bench for Benjamin before a potential loan next year.
Coby Ebere
Ebere has returned from injury and is a regular fixture for the u21s. Predominantly a left winger, he is a big, pacey, physical runner that would have no problem dealing with the physicality of the Premier League. He is, however, very raw and his final ball is often lacking. He plays with his head down a bit and would need to improve his end product to get a real chance at first team football.
Callum Bates
Another who has been included on the bench in the Premier League, Callum Bates is a talented but lightweight midfielder with superb technique and an eye for a pass. Unlikely to be risked unless the midfield area lost a few more players, he may be a surprise choice given his similarity to David Moyes favourite Leon Osman.
Bates has plenty of developing to do but looks like a real talent on the ball. A loan is likely next year but in an emergency he may get a chance for more time on the bench at the end of the 2025 season.
There are others. Braiden Graham has only just made his u21 debut and this season may come a bit early for him. George Morgan, the Welsh youth striker, has actually adapted even better to u21 football and could be first in line.
Kingsford Boakye, signed from AC Milan, is back from a long injury lay off and this season may come too soon. Jacob Beaumont-Clark is a talented winger but would also need more time at u21 level before he thinks about stepping up too.