ToffeeWeb LoanWatch

7-1 was the final score, but I'll have to admit Jarrad didn't look that great for the solitary away goal.

Brief highlight: Link

Ellis Simms – A Future Everton Star In The Making?

André got booked in the 57th minute.

Jack Clarke looked like he had a great game yesterday, a player who Spurs signed from Leeds a few years ago, even though the kid is still only 21 years old.

The Do Well, Find a Club Next Summer group

Dele Alli (#11) Bensiktas. Contract thru June 2024

Subbed out at 78’ vs Sivasspor on 29 AUG.

Kept the ball ticking over.

Link

Subbed out at 66’ vs Akaragucu on 4 SEP.

At 4:48 mark scored goal.

Link

Dele's a top-league talent in his prime playing in a lower league. But a team up for the title and Europe. Hoping he stays healthy and productive, so we can move him next June.

Andre Gomes (#28) LOSC. Contract thru June 2024

Subbed in at 86’ vs Montpellier on 4 SEP.

At the 2:46 mark, that’s him takes the ball down neatly and makes the first pass resulting in an LOSC goal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Lg3by_1jJU

Subbed in at 65' vs Marseilles on 10 SEP.

Took corner at 6:59.

Link

Flat not a Prem athlete. But he does possess some skills. Really needs to stay healthy and get regular minutes all season to generate interest so we can move on in June.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin (#25) Trabzonspor. Contract thru June 2024

Subbed in 2nd half. Played 45 minutes vs Galatasaray on 28 AUG.

During 9-minute highlight reel, didn’t touch the ball

Played 90 minutes vs Umraniye on 2 SEP

At the 1:07 mark, chested ball down and took shot just past the left upright. Ticked the ball over other times. Took the last shot of the game around the 10:06 mark.

Link

Subbed out at the half vs Ferencvárosi pn 8 SEP.

Gbamin moves well, stays involved.

Link

BONUS: Freeze the video at 0:16. See if you recognize any names.

He's fully recovered from injury. Logged heavy minutes last season in Russia and hopefully this one in Turkey, too. But he's not going to stay with us. So, good health, heavy minutes and let's make a deal next Summer and say good-by.

Lewis Gibson (#17) Bristol Rovers. Turned 22 in July. Contract thru June 2023

Subbed in at 79’ vs Oxford U on 13 AUG.

During 2-minute highlight reel, didn’t see him.

Subbed in 2nd half. Played 45 minutes vs Barnsley on 16 AUG.

During 2-minute highlight reel, didn’t touch ball.

Subbed out at 76’ vs Portsmouth on 20 AUG

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Shrewsbury on 27 AUG

Link

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Plymouth Argyle 30 AUG

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Morecambe 3 SEP

NOTE: No indication Gibson is out with injury.

We have depth at CB even with Mina leaving next Summer. If a young CB is to be retained, it's going to be Jarrad, not Lewis. He hasn't been out injured in 18 months or so. Lots of health and playing time and good luck at your next club.

Nathan Broadhead (#20). Wigan. 25 in April. Contract thru June 2024

Subbed in at 77’ vs Bristol City on13 AUG

Recovers ball in the box at 6:45. Lays off to teammate.

Link

Subbed in at 70’ vs Birmingham on 20 AUG

Scores goal at 82’. Counter attack starting at 4:34

Link

Subbed in at 72’ vs Burnley on 27 AUG

During 5-minute highlight reel, didn’t see him.

Subbed in at 72’ vs West Brom on 30 AUG.

During 2-minute highlight reel, didn’t see him.

Subbed in at 62’ vs Luton Town on 3 SEP

During 2-minute highlight reel, didn’t see him.

Something of a "break-out" season last year, bagging 10 in 20 to help Sunderland get promoted. Guessing that's why we gave him a new 2-year contract. Can't think of any other reason. He's 25 the end of this season. He's a minor leaguer. Good health and lots of playing time this season, so we can move you on in the Summer.

The Maybegroup

Harry Tyrer (Chester FC). Turns 21 in December. Contract thru June 2025.

Went down to the National League North to ensure game time. He’s Chester’s first-team keeper, in goal all 7 games played so far. With luck can play 40+ games this year at 20-21-years old. At 6’4”, he got the size. Here’s luck to him and move up a league or two next season.

Tyler Onyango (#12). Burton Albion. Turns 20 in March. Contract thru 2025

Subbed out at 72’ vs Wycombe on 30 JUL.

One of two defenders didn’t press ball, which was passed thru to goal scorer starting at :10. Started pass sequence led to missed shot at 1:09.

Link

Subbed out at 62’ vs Bristol Rovers on 6 AUG.

Did nothing of substance on video.

Link

Subbed in at 84’ vs Rochdale on 9 AUG.

Lost ball that led to Rochdale goal starting at 1:48.

Link

DNP Made the bench vs Accrington Stanley on 13 AUG.

DNP Made the bench vs Ipswich on 16 AUG.

DNP Made the bench vs Port Vale on 20 AUG.

Subbed in at 46’ vs Cambridge United on 27 AUG.

Nothing of consequence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb1g8JI2Wnw

Subbed in at 66’ vs Leicester City U-21s on 30 AUG.

Nothing of consequence.

Subbed in at 72’ vs Oxford United on 3 SEP.

Nothing of consequence.

Link

First season out of the nest and into League 1. Chin up and just keep improving young fellow.

Ryan Astley (#5). Accrington Stanley. Turns 21 in October. Contract thru 2023

Subbed in at 21’ vs Shrewsbury on 6 AUG.

Solid in the box.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Tranmere on 9 AUG.

Scored settle/turn/shoot goal starting at :38. Challenges attacker starting at :58. Long cross hits falling Astley and goes in for own-goal starting at 1:26. A tough break. Game went to pens. Ryan shot fourth and made his goal.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Burton on 13 AUG.

His man passed ball to goal scorer starting at :28.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs MK Dons on 20 AUG.Yellow card at 10’.

Played 90 minutes vs Exeter City on 27 AUG.

Played 90 minutes vs Rochdale on 30 AUG.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Ipswich Town on 3 SEP.

Played 90 minutes vs Forest Green on 6 SEP.

Looks composed for a 20-year old CB. Comes to play, too. Is he strong or quick enough for the position is a fair question. Plus, the Club has a lot of CBs already. Still, he has a good look about him. And he's getting plenty of game time so far. Hope it continues all season and let's see what the Club and him want to do next June.

Niels Nkounkou (#37). Cardiff City. Turns 22 in NOV. Contract thru June 2024.

Subbed in 2nd half. Played 45 minutes vs Preston on 27 AUG.

At 1:50, watch for him coming up fast on the shaded side of the pitch.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Luton Town on 30 AUG.

At :30’ man-defending. At :51’ throw-in.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Millwall on 3 SEP.

At :47 mark attacking. At 1:53 defending.

Link

I see a winger with potential. Managers see him as a LB. It can't be because of his defense. Keep improving, I guess. Nice to watch him attacking, though.

The Legit Up & Comers group

Lewis Dobbin (#18). Derby County. Turns 20 in January. Contract thru June 2025.

Subbed in at 70’ vs Charlton on 6 AUG.

During 2-minute highlight reel, didn’t see him.

Subbed out at 73’ vs Mansfield Town on 9 AUG.

Just missed a cross starting at 1:11. Nice chance starting at 2:37. Just missed a cross starting at 3:18. Shot saved in a crowd starting at 5:01.

Link

Subbed in at 76’ vs Barnsley on 13 AUG.

During 10.5-minute highlight reel, only one glimpse of Dobbin.

Subbed in at 63’ vs Shrewsbury on 16 AUG.

Nice cross by Dobbin starting at 3:55.

Link

Subbed out at 60’ vs Fleetwood on 20 AUG.

Some good looks at Dobbin in this video.

Link

Subbed out at 67’ vs West Brom on 23 AUG.

Nice Dobbin sequence, finishing with an assist on Sibley goal starting at 1:45. Interesting that after the goal, the Derby players including Sibley, all ran over to Dobbin to celebrate.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Peterborough on 27 AUG

Nice sequence starting at 3:37 thru 4:45. Assist on stoppage-time game-winner starting at 10:08.

Link

Subbed out at 59’ vs Grimsby Town on 30 AUG. Nice pass starting at :29.

Link

Subbed in at 80’ vs Plymouth Argyle on 3 SEP.

During 11-minute highlight reel, didn’t see him.

Gets the ball and starts moving, there IS an excitement about Lewis. Could do with a few more pounds of meat on his bones.

Has started well. League 1 aint U-23s, though. Let's see how he responds as the season goes on and the league starts to catch up to him a little. Still, has a really good look about him.

Ellis Simms (#9). Sunderland. Turns 22 in January. Contract thru June 2024

DNP Made the bench vs Coventry 31 JUL

Subbed out at 90+2’ vs Bristol City on 6 AUG

Scores goal starting at :03. Scores goal starting at 1:20. Shot saved starting at 1:36.

Link

DNP Made the bench vs Sheffield Wednesday on 10 AUG.

Subbed out at 60’ vs QPR on 13 AUG.

Shot blocked starting at :06. Scores goal starting at :45.

Link

Subbed out at 54’ vs Sheffield United on 17 AUG.

During 2-minute highlight reel, didn’t see him.

Played 90 minutes VS Stoke on 20 AUG.

Missed shot starting at 1:00. Nice pass for shot on goal starting at 1:01.

Link

Played 90 minutes VS Norwich on 27 AUG.

Header off the upright at 1:19.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlSXAEqRX6Q

Played 90 minutes vs Rotherham on 31 AUG.

Missed shot starting at :03. Drew foul, ref called play-on” goal scored starting at 1:19.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Middlesbrough on 5 SEP.

Passed to teammate for shot starting at :02.

Link

Over 4 years has worked his way up from U-18s to the Championship. If this season goes well, he MUST get his crack at the first team. He's big, strong, can shoot and pass and ALWAYS shows for the ball.

Just stay healthy.

Jarrad Branthwaite (#22). PSV. Turns 21 in June. Contract thru June 2025

Subbed in at 107’ vs Monaco; CL 3rd Rnd qualifying w/Agr at 3-3. Battling in the defensive box, making final clearance just before game ending starting at 13:41. Some intro to the big-time.

Link

DNP Made the bench vs Go Ahead Eagles on 13 AUG.

Subbed in at 79’ vs Rangers on 16 AUG.

Doesn’t appear on video.

DNP Made the bench vs Rangers on 24 AUG.

Subbed in at 61’ vs Excelsior on 28 AUG.

Mistimed jump on corner. Excelsior player behind him headed ball into goal starting at 5:26.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Volendam on 31 AUG.

As last defender beaten by Excelsior goal scorer at starting at 2:17.

Link

DNP Made the bench vs Twente on 3 SEP.

DNP Made the bench vs Bodo Glimt in Europa League on 8 SEP.

P.S. In watching PSV, saw this 19-year old Xavi Simons. Worth a look for you fellows always looking for talent. Link

Extremely thorough work! It looks like you're doing James Vaughan's job for him.

I agree with your conclusions. Simms, Dobbin and Branthwaite are our main prospects, closest to being first-team ready.

Possibly with Virginia, Warrington and Onyango in the next cohort.

A Maybe.

Lewis Warrington (#16). Fleetwood. Turns 20 in October. Contract thru June 2024

Subbed in at 42' vs Wycombe on 3 September

Don't see him handling ball, but he's #16 hustling around out there.

Link

Work hard and get minutes, young man. That's why the club sent you out on loan.

Joao Virginia (#1). Cambuur. Turns 23 in October. Contract thru June 2024.

Vs Excelsior on 6 August.

Beaten starting at 2:25. Sprawling save. Rebound tapped in, though starting at 6:00. Suggest just going to those two points on video. The rest is just Cambuur attacking,

Link

Vs Utrecht on 13 August. Clean sheet.

Nice save on breakaway starting at 0:04. Save starting at 1:19.

Link

Vs Fortuna Sittard on 20 August. 1 goal conceded.

Goal. Poor keeping starting at 2:29 to 3:35. Save starting at 4:45. Nice defending starting at 4:48. Punched clearance starting at 7:58.

Link

Vs AZ Alkmaar on 28 August. 1 goal conceded.

Should have stopped that shot starting at 2:16.

Link

Vs Ajax on 3 September. 4 goals conceded. Ajax dominates with 75% possession.

Not as bad for Joao as the score might indicate. Ajax just a way better team.

Link

Vs Groningen on 11 September. 1 goal conceded. No video up yet.

Commentary: “It was certainly not such a big blunder as two weeks ago against AZ. Then he punched a long shot from Jordy Clasie into the own goal. This time, a long-distance attempt again outwitted the Portuguese who had been hired from Everton. After seventy minutes, Tomas Suslov dribbled in after Marco Tol lost the ball and shot hard and low over the ground. Since the ball wasn't actually in the corner, Virginia certainly could and perhaps should have gotten the ball.”

Joao is strictly a Do Well, Find a Club Next Summer player. Just not that good. He's 23 next month and if there was something about him, we'd have seen it by now.

It's interesting to see the trajectory of players, eg, Gibson, playing less and less.

Tryer following the path of Ruddy in the National League. Worked out okay for Ruddy who has had a solid career in the Premier League and League One.

Dobbin sounds like Gordon last year early on, signs of promise but needs some goals and assists.

Tyrer was smart, even if he is playing on the 6th Level. What he needs to do, and appears to be doing, is get a club where he's its #1, and start piling up game experience.

Also, although I didn't put them in here, since they're not with us anymore, found a number of names I remember from when we had them. We are producing professionals, just not the first team ones we need. Or not enough of them, anyway.

Simms went off twice and came back on to try to play. Then off for good. Maybe a broken toe?

Someone on here said he had scored a few weeks ago but they were mistaken and that goal was from Angel Gomes one of his teammates.

I thought it sounded fishy at the time and indeed he is scoreless, with one game to his name but surprisingly hasn't been booked or injured yet.

Ellis Simms - Went down in first half on 14 Sep. Manager said, “It's his big toe, on the joint - he was struggling to push off and it's numb at the moment,”. A "maybe" for 4 Oct.

Link

Dele Alli - Played and scored goal on 5 Sep. Went out with a "knock" and hasn't played since. Yet he doesn't appear on Besiktas injury list. Guess he's healed and will be available on Sunday

Lewis Gibson - Missed last 3 games with injury.

Manager Joey Barton: "He got kicked in the calf and had a lot of blood in there and swelling. It’s just rumbled on and on and he ended up getting a secondary scan which has shown a minor tear.

Obviously, because of his previous history, we’re keen not to rush him back.. . . . . . . The problem for us is getting him out on the grass and that has been the problem his whole career. He is clearly a talented boy."

Lewis Dobbin - Minor groin strain during game on 13 Sep. Manager states he could have played on the 17th, but kept him out to give Lewis a little more time.

Jarrod Branthwaite - Not injured. 19-year old went 90 minutes in early season 6-pointer against Feyenoord. Opened his account with one touch from corner. With win, PSV leap-frogged 3 teams to 1st Place. He's #22 in PSV stripes.

Link

The fellow calling the game had good things to say about Lewis himself, not just the goal. Was nice hearing.
Link

Which is also reflected in the Dobbin post-game player rating. "Lewis Dobbin: Has had to wait a while for a goal but it was worth it as he unleashed a howitzer on the volley to score Derby's fourth and nobody can say he doesn't deserve it given his attitude and work rate. Classy performance. 9"

In one of the local papers covering Derby's victory, a few Evertonians jumped into the discussion:

Pagey: "Dobbin and Simms smashing goals in on loan, utter madness that they're not heavily involved in Lampard's squad."

BTW: "Lewis Dobbin can score goals like that and we've got DCL or Maupay playing up front!?"

Steven Jordan: "Who is responsible for loaning out players at Everton and who also gives the go-ahead for it to happen? We have strikers in our team who can't hit a barn door from 2 yards yet Simms and Dobbin have been sent to other clubs on loan?"

Max: "What a goal. Why Everton let Lewis Dobbin and Ellis Simms go out on loan when we've only got DCL and Maupay I'll never know."

Gary: "We don't have one player that can hit a ball like that."

Lewis Dobbin has appeared in 21 games for Derby since August. Considering he's been a U-Team player for Club and country up until now, I think he's doing well at Derby. He's 20 come January.

Harry Tyrer (Chester FC). Turns 21 this month. Contract thru June 2025.

He’s Chester’s first-team keeper, in goal all 27 games (21 league games) thru 2 DEC, playing 2,400+ minutes so far. 11 clean sheets and 9 1-goal games. With luck and health, on track for 50+ games this year at 20-21-years old. Exact reason he went there. Here’s continued luck to him and another loan a few leagues higher next season.

Tyler Onyango (#12). Burton Albion. Turns 20 in March. Contract thru 2025

DNP Made the bench vs Portsmouth on 13 SEP.

DNP Made the bench vs Exeter City 17 SEP.

Subbed in at 68’ vs Sheffield Wed on 20 SEP.

Subbed in at 90’ vs Shrewsbury on 24 SEP.

DNP Made the bench vs Forest Green on 1 OCT.

DNP Made the bench vs Fleetwood on 4 OCT.

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Peterborough on 8 OCT.

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Morecambe on 15 OCT.

Played 90 minutes vs Bradford City on 18 OCT.

Forward pass to teammate starting at :40.

Nice no-look pass to teammate started sequence leading to shot starting at 1:59.

Excellent defensive play dislodged ball for teammate to grab and score.

vs Bradford City

Subbed out at 68’ vs Cheltenham on 22 OCT.

vs Cheltenham

Played 90 minutes vs Bolton on 25 OCT.

vs Bolton

Played 90 minutes vs Sheffield United on 29 OCT.

Subbed in at 72’ vs Needham Market on 5 NOV.

Played 90 minutes vs Charlton on 12 NOV.

Nice pass by Tyler leads to goal starting at 1:10.

vs Charlton

Subbed out at 76’ vs Plymouth Argyle on 19 NOV.

Subbed out at 46’ vs Tranmere on 22 NOV.

DNP Made the bench vs Chippenham Town on 27 NOV.

At 19, first season out of U-Teams and into League 1. Has worked his way slowly into the first team rotation, which indicates Tyler is putting in the hard work. Needs to keep it up and continue improving. Plus, this boy is one gigantic midfielder.

Ryan Astley (#5). Accrington Stanley. Turns 21 in October. Contract thru 2023

Subbed in at 21’ vs Shrewsbury on 6 AUG.

Solid in the box.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Tranmere on 9 AUG.

Scored settle/turn/shoot goal starting at :38. Challenges attacker starting at :58. Long cross hits falling Astley and goes in for own-goal starting at 1:26. A tough break. Game went to pens. Ryan shot fourth and made his goal.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Burton on 13 AUG.

His man passed ball to goal scorer starting at :28.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs MK Dons on 20 AUG.Yellow card at 10’.

Played 90 minutes vs Exeter City on 27 AUG.

Played 90 minutes vs Rochdale on 30 AUG.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Ipswich Town on 3 SEP.

Played 90 minutes vs Forest Green on 6 SEP.

Looks composed for a 20-year old CB. Comes to play, too. Is he strong or quick enough for the position is a fair question. Plus, the Club has a lot of CBs already. Still, he has a good look about him. And he's getting plenty of game time so far. Hope it continues all season and let's see what the Club and him want to do next June.

Joao Virginia benched at Cambuur

In the end, Joao Virginia really didn’t give Cambuur coach Sjors Ultee much of a choice.

Big things were expected of the on-loan Everton goalkeeper when he arrived in the Eredivisie last summer but, not for the first time, a short-lived spell away from Goodison Park looks destined for a rather unfulfilling conclusion.

Virginia’s stint between the sticks at Reading was brought to a premature conclusion following some high-profile errors during the 2019/20 season. At Sporting Lisbon, meanwhile, the 23-year-old managed a grand total of one league appearance.

Still, this latest setback feels even more damaging.

“Joao is a good ‘keeper with excellent reflexes. We really see the potential for the longer term,” Ultee tells NOS; explaining his decision to drop Virginia in favour of one-time Sunderland benchwarmer Robbin Ruiter.

“But he has made too many of the same kinds of mistakes in recent weeks, which made the team restless.

“That is why we are now taking a decision and opting for Robbin. He is an experienced, calm and stable goalkeeper. Although, of course, that gives no guarantees.”

Cambuur’s relegation-threatened backline, with Virginia behind them, looked anything but ‘calm and stable’ in recent months. Virginia conceded 1.6 Eredivisie goals per game on average. And it would be an understatement to say that a few of those fell into the ‘avoidable’ category.

Virginia is still young, relatively speaking anyway. But, at the age of 23, the hope was that he’d iron out the rather glaring kinks in his game while playing regular first-team football for the very first time, even at a limited Cambuur outfit. But what is it they say about ‘best laid plans’?

“(Ultee’s decision is) is not very surprising,” reporter Andor Faber writes on Twitter; the Toffees prospect gifting Sparta Rotterdam a goal with an abysmally misplaced pass during Cambuur’s recent 3-0 home defeat.

With Asmir Begovic’s contract expiring, there may soon be a place opening up for the ‘number two’ role at Goodison Park. But Virginia is not exactly doing his hopes of filling it much good.

The ups and downs of these players makes me conclude we shouldn't get too attached.

Virginia obviously has talent but the game requires more than that. A bit like Nkounkou, worth speculating on a low fee but time to let go.

SImms and Broadhead off LoanWatch. Onyango and Nkounkou stay out but switch teams.

The Do Well, Find a Club Next Summer group

Dele Alli (#11) Bensiktas. Contract thru June 2024.

Post-WC restart on 21 DEC.

Subbed out at 29’ vs Sanliurfa on 21 DEC.

Kicked down at 1:59, no foul called, leading to Sanliurfa counter-attack goal.

Comes off at 3:01 either being booed himself or manager booed for taking Dele out so early when down 0-2.

Link

DNP Made the bench vs Gaziantep on 25 DEC.

DNP Made the bench vs Adana Demirspor on 29 DEC.

DNP Made the bench vs Kasimpisa on 7 JAN.

Subbed in at 90’ vs Konyaspor on 14 JAN.

DNP Made the bench vs Ankaragucu on 18 JAN.

Subbed in at 70’ vs Kayserispor on 22 JAN.

Subbed out at 84’ vs Alanyaspor on 27 JAN.

Passed to teammate for shot on goal starting at 1:11.

Out-hustled opponents to ball for goal starting at 7:30.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Fatih Karagumruk on 31 JAN.

Subbed in at 76’ vs Sivasspor on 4 FEB.

Super Lig suspended due to the earthquake.

Dele remains the same. Good when he wants to be.

Andre Gomes (#28) LOSC. Contract thru June 2024.

Post-WC restart on 28 DEC.

Played 90 minutes vs Claremont Foot on 28 DEC.

Subbed in at 84’ vs Rheims on 2 JAN.

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Troyes on 8 JAN.

Subbed in at 74’ vs Brest on 11 JAN.

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Troyes on 15 JAN. Ankle injury.

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Pau on 22 JAN. Ankle injury.

DNP Didn’t make the bench vs Nice on 20 JAN. Ankle injury.

Subbed in at 66’ vs Clermont Foot on 1 FEB.

Played 90 minutes vs Rennes on 4 FEB.

Made nice pass starting sequence leading to goal starting at 2:18.

Nice pass in traffic in sequence leading to goal starting at 2:49.

Fantastic control and movement, then shot for goal. Real nice from Andre starting at 3:15.

Link

Missed some time with calf injury. Otherwise remains in First-11 rotation. Seems popular there. Hope they come in for him this Summer.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin (#25) Trabzonspor. Contract thru June 2024.

Post-WC restart on 21 DEC.

Subbed out at ‘31 vs Samsunspor on 21 DEC.

Subbed in at 68’ vs Fenerbahce on 24 DEC.

Subbed in at 46’ vs Fatih Karagumruk on 28 DEC.

Played 90 minutes vs Giresunspor on 5 JAN.

Starting at right-CB, blocks shot starting at 3:42.

Run and took shot over the crossbar starting at 4:39.

Link

Played 90 minutes vs Alanyaspor on 9 JAN.

At right-CB, blocked shot, then took ball off attacker’s toe, who recovered ball and scored goal.

Link

DNP Didn’t make bench vs Istanbul Basaksehir on 14 JAN.

DNP Didn’t make bench vs Unraniye on 18 JAN.

DNP Didn’t make bench vs Istanbulspor on 22 JAN.

DNP Didn’t make bench vs Hatayspor on 28 JAN.

Subbed in at 85’ vs Antalyaspor on 1 FEB.

Subbed in at 46’ vs Galatasary on 5 FEB.

Super Lig suspended due to the earthquake.

Jean-Philippe missed some games due to injury, yet continues to appear fully recovered from thigh and achilles injuries. Hopefully, his fitness AND form continue thru the season and a club comes in for him.

Niels Nkounkou (#37). Saint-Etienne. Turned 22 in NOV. Contract thru June 2024.

WC-break until 10 DEC.

Niels was pulled from the line-up due to constant defensive errors leading to opponents’ goals.

Loan recall 14 JAN.

Loaned out to French Ligue 2 Saint-Etienne on 14 JAN.

Subbed in at 73’ vs Niort on 16 JAN.

Subbed out at 84’ vs Sochaux on 28 JAN.

Played 90 minutes vs Bastia on 31 JAN.

Played 90 minutes vs Annecy on 4 FEB.

Played 90 minutes vs Dijon on 11 FEB.

Terrible defender with a great left foot. The Club clearly has no intention to try Niels in the 1st-Team. With one more season after this, expect him to leave during the Summer on a “free” or some minimal fee.

Joao Virginia (#1). Cambuur. Turned 23 in October. Contract thru June 2024.

Played first 4 games back from WC pause. Then benched and replaced last 5 games thru 11 FEB. Not looking good there. And we can’t say he wasn’t given a fair chance.

Link

Ryan Astley (#5). Accrington Stanley. Turned 21 in October. Contract thru 2023

After missing 4 games, Ryan returned to the starting line-up and continued piling up minutes as a 1st-team regular for AC. He’s out-of-contract on 1 July and as a CB there’s no room for him with the Club. A neat little defender, though, and a pretty good footballer too.

So, continued health and playing time for him and best of luck catching on with a new club next season.

Lewis Gibson (#17) Bristol Rovers. Turned 22 in July. Contract thru June 2023.

In 13 games since last report, Gibson has missed 7 games, including the last 6 in a row thru 11 FEB. It is just too bad as Rovers’ manager, Joey Barton, definitely likes Lewis. So, get healthy for the run in and best of luck finding a club next season.

Harry Tyrer (Chester FC). 21-years old. Contract thru June 2025.
Harry has now played 37 games thru 11 FEB; 3300 minutes. With 14 league games to go, Harry stays on track to log 50 games this season. Exact reason he was sent there at 20-years old. Chester’s GA ranks 5th of 24 clubs and they sit 1 point off a playoff position.
Continued health and fitness thru May and hope the Club finds a League 1/Championship team for next season.

Tom Cannon (#28). Preston NE. Turned 20 in December. Contract thru 2025.
Played 90 minutes vs Norwich City on 14 JAN.
Shot tipped off the bar starting at 5:25.
Link
Subbed out at 81’ vs Birmingham on 21 JAN.
Headed ball back into the box in sequence leading to goal by erstwhile Everton youth Ryan Ledson.
Nice run and control for shot saved by keeper starting at 2:19.
Link
Played 90 minutes vs Spurs on 28 JAN.
Played 90 minutes vs Bristol City on 4 FEB.
Nice left-footed volley well-saved by keeper.
Nice cross into box to teammate who misses the frame entirely.
Link
Subbed out at 68’ vs Burnley on 11 FEB.
Nice control, vision, and cross to teammate who headed ball over starting at 4:10.
Link
Hasn’t scored yet. But going from U-Ball to the Championship Tom doesn’t look out of place at all. An impressive start for the 20-year old.

Tyler Onyango (#12). Forest Green. Turns 20 in March. Contract thru 2025.
Subbed in at 46’ vs Derby County on 10 DEC.
Shot on goal saved by keeper starting at 5:05.
Nice sequence of what Tyler can do with run, control, and pass to teammate for shot on goal. Starting at 6:50.
Link
Subbed out at 76’ vs Accrington Stanley on 13 DEC.
Playing in the #10, nice run and centering pass causing OG by defender starting at :44.
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Subbed out at 76’ vs Barnsley on 17 DEC.
Box-to-box defensive run to catch and pressure ball-carrier starting at :15. Player had 5 meter running start on Tyler.
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Subbed in at 87’ vs Lincoln City on 26 DEC.
Played 90 minutes vs Forest Green on 29 DEC.
Subbed out at 57’ vs Morecambe on 1 JAN.
Subbed out at 46’ vs Grimsby Town on 7 JAN.
DNP Made the bench vs Shrewsbury on 14 JAN.
Loan Recall by the Club on 18 JAN.
Loaned out to League 1’s Forest Green on 28 JAN.
Played 90 minutes vs Shrewsbury on 28 JAN.
Played 90 minutes vs Peterborough on 4 FEB.
Subbed out at 79’ vs Morecambe on 11 FEB.
Long run and shot starting at :10.
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My view is that 19-year old Tyler improved his game at Burton Albion as he settled in and adjusted to the pro game after only U-Team ball. Started with a lot of DNPs, then gradually worked his way into the First-11 rotation. Hopefully, his development continues at Forest Green.

Lewis Warrington (#16). Fleetwood Town. Turned 20 in October. Contract thru June 2024.
Played 90 minutes vs MK Dons on 10 DEC.
Played 90 minutes vs Sheffield Wednesday on 26 DEC.
Subbed out at 88’ vs Barnsley on 29 DEC.
Played 90 minutes vs Shrewsbury on 1 JAN.
Played 90 minutes vs QPR on 7 JAN.
Played 90 minutes vs Oxford United on 14 JAN.
Subbed out at 78’ vs Sheffield Wednesday on 21 JAN.
Subbed out at 62’ vs Portsmouth on 24 JAN.
Subbed in at 77’ vs Sheffield Wednesday on 28 JAN.
DNP Made the bench vs Burton Albion on 4 FEB.
Played 90 minutes vs Sheffield Wednesday on 7 FEB.
Played 90 minutes vs Charlton on 11 FEB.
A First-11 regular, Lewis has played both sides of a 2 in front of a back-4, both inside spots as part of a 4 in front of a back 3, and on the right of a 3 in front of a back-4, and in the #10 spot. A fighter with some ball skill. My only worry is that in size and athleticism, Lewis appears to be playing at the right level; League 1. Time will tell.

Nice to hear that Onyango, Cannon and others are developing. But these reports do highlight why they haven't been thrown into the first team even when we're struggling.

We're seeing with Simms just what a big step up and Simms is well ahead of these guys.

It seems to me that there's no stand out player on loan who looks set to challenge for a first team spot - but maybe one might make it through hard work and a bit of luck

Lewis Dobbin (#18). Derby County. Turned 20 in January. Contract thru June 2025.

Subbed out at 58’ vs Burton on 10 DEC.

Shot on goal starting at :28

Long pass to Lewis for break-away in on goal. Shot over the bar. (UGH! This now 7-8 break-aways Lewis had failed to score on). Starting at 3:51.

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Subbed in at 68’ vs Forest Green on 17 DEC.

Subbed in at 63’ vs Bolton on 27 DEC.

Subbed out at 73’ vs Cambridge U on 30 DEC.

Side-foot shot attempt blocked by keeper starting at :35.

Run into the box and centering pass missed teammates starting at 2:03.

Run and nice diagonal to running teammate starting at 2:40.

Nice run and pass for shot on goal by teammate starting at 3:24.

Goes high in the box to score header starting at 4:00.

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Subbed out at 63’ vs Accrington Stanley on 2 JAN.

Nice run and assist starting at 1:00.

Nice Derby attack leading to Dobbin shot just past the left upright starting at 3:40.

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Subbed out at 78’ vs Barnsley on 8 JAN.

Dobbins heads cross over the bar starting at 2:10.

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Subbed in at 69’ vs Cheltenham on 14 JAN.

In middle of sequence leading to Derby shot on goal starting at 6:50.

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Subbed in at 83’ vs Bolton on 21 JAN.

Subbed in at 68’ vs Port Vale on 24 JAN.

Beautiful thru ball sends Dobbin in on goal. He shoots ball directly to keeper starting at 4:40.

Shoots past right upright starting at 5:10.

Nice run and cross into box for teammate’s goal starting at 5:54.

Another nice run and cross into box for teammate’s goal starting at 7:00.

Cross into Dobbin. He hits the crossbar with shot starting at 8:36.

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Subbed in at 63’ vs West Ham on 30 JAN.

Run and cross into box just missed by teammates starting at 6:44.

Nice move and shot stopped by keeper starting at 8:21.

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Played 90 minutes vs Morecambe on 3 FEB.

Played 90 minutes vs Wycombe on 11 FEB.

Nice ball movement by Derby gets Dobbin the ball in the box for a fine finish.

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Subbed out at the half vs Lincoln City on 14 FEB.

Has now appeared in 38 games for Derby this season. Coming from U-Ball at 19, I expected the league or fatigue to catch up to him by now. Neither has yet.

Without a doubt, an integral and dangerous part of Derby’s attack. But his finishing? Oh boy! No exaggeration, Lewis should be in double-digit goals by now.

And for sure he needs to move up to a Championship club next season. Hopefully not us. Although, if the worst befalls, Lewis goes straight into the First-11.

Derby’s turn-around is really impressive, by the way. They’re sitting 5 points off 3rd place with 2 games in hand. And a FUN team to watch.

Jarrad Branthwaite (#22). PSV. Turns 21 in June. Contract thru June 2025.

Played 90 minutes vs Sparta Rotterdam on 7 JAN.

Played 90 minutes vs Sparta Rotterdam on 10 JAN.

Speculative cross into defensive box. Jarrad has it lined up to head out, but keeper attacks ball. While simultaneously knocking Jarrad down, neither catches ball or punches it clear. Ball goes directly to opponent who chips keeper into now empty net starting at 2:35.

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Played 90 minutes vs Fortuna Sittard on 15 JAN.

Long left-footed pass on the deck starts attack starting at 1:32.

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Played 90 minutes vs Vitesse on 21 JAN.

Played 90 minutes vs FC Emmin on 24 JAN.

Nice long pass to running teammate for run at goal starting at 1:57.

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Played 90 minutes vs Go Ahead Eagles on 28 JAN.

Long diagonal pass starts sequence leading to shot starting at 2:00.

Calm movement and long pass starts sequence leading to shot on goal starting at 2:28.

2 passes in sequence leading to goal starting at 7:58.

Good man-marking forces ball out of opponent’s feet starting at 8:56.

Jarrad’s pace! From deep in attacking zone to running down ball-carrier from 10:32 to 10:42. The boy can move!

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Played 90 minutes vs Feyenoord on 5 FEB.

Subbed out at 85’ vs FC Emmen on 8 FEB.

Nice header past keeper into the corner starting at :34.

Long left-footed deflected shot on goal wrong-foots the keeper and into the net starting at 1:18.

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Played 90 minutes vs Groningen on 11 FEB.

On corner kick, beautiful near-post run and header into the goal starting at 8:17.

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Since back from the WC break Jarrad is cemented in the 1st-Team. 9 games played, 805 minutes played. His 2-goal game, Ruud pulled him in the 85th minute to get Jarrad an ovation.

2 years left on his contract, don’t sell.

Our problem is Tarkowski (100K per), Keane (80K per), Godfrey (75K per), Holgate (70K per). The former thru 2006. The latter 3 thru 2005. What to do? Not ToffeeWeb “Get rid” what to do? But “contractual obligations” what to do? Because we appear to be financially stuck at Jarrad’s position, no matter how good he is.

I don’t make predictions on a 20-year old, but this kid has to play. For Everton, I hope. And since numbers are being thrown at us by PSV, let’s throw some back about that 19-year old, Xavi. He’ll do.

Maybe he will gain some composure in front of goal with a bit more experience.

As for Branthwaite, he is clearly a top class player. It's a shame we didn't prioritise his development in the first team ahead of Holgate because he may now be a mainstay.

Best English defensive prospect along with Colwill, Harwood-Bellis and Doyle. Sadly I expect we'll cash in unless we can get the inward investment from MSP.

It does look like a lot when it's all done. But really it's just a little bit of work every week. I'm looking at our loan outs games for several years now.

Not on a schedule, though. Just some weekday I check them out and make my little notes. It adds up to a lot, but not in the doing of it. If that makes sense.

As to "Not first team ready" 19- to 21-year-olds usually aren't in the big leagues. Better they're out on loan clocking minutes. I look at skill, then athleticism, then do they seem to be improving.

We won't know how good they'll be for another couple years. My take anyway.

I watched Onyango playing on Saturday and he had to come off after injuring what looked to be his thigh muscle. He was put clean through on goal after continuing a powerful run down the inside left channel but when he's tried to shoot on his left foot it all went horribly wrong and that was the end of his game after about 25 minutes.

Duncan Ferguson has got a big fight on his hands to keep Forest Green up, but he had his team well drilled and Onyango was looking a much better player than the last time I watched him playing against Morecombe for Burton about 6 weeks ago. I don't know how long this injury will keep him out.

Like many us, I would like to see a team of home-produced players and the loan system is an essential part of this process. Encouraging words on one or two of our young players.

I had thought that, when James Vaughan was appointed last year to look after the welfare of these young players, this was a welcome and positive appointment; however, it's difficult to judge whether he has had any impact or whether he is still in post.

In the meantime, these updates are great reading and much appreciated. Thank you.

I've watched Dobbin a couple of times, most recently when he came on as a sub. He was hit and miss with his play. But I suppose that goes with the great confidence he seems to possess, trying things that sometimes don't come off.

It doesn't look like it's going to be a breakthrough season for him, this one, but next season, with a bit more experience and maturity under his belt, could be.

Next season, use him as the pace and directness off the bench, full of desire to impress. Or send him out on loan again to improve with more game time? What do you think, James?

Branthwaite, I think we are unanimous, you summed it in those final two words: “Don't sell!” Play him next to Tarkowski next season, extend his contract. The time is coming when he will be the first name on the team sheet, week-in & week-out.

Physically and skill-wise, barring injury Dobbin will get his chance in the Prem. Athletically, he's already too good for League 1. Opponents can't stay with him. His skill-set looks good to me, just needs more work, which of course is up to his work ethic. We'll see.

But if he's not going to be in our First-11 rotation next season, he needs to go back out, just not in League 1. Maybe out to PSV. Brand knows who he is. And for sure, Lewis would fit into that attack.

Of course, if we go down, he's ready-made.

Yeah, generally speaking, we're better off coming in here for loan-outs info. And don't even start about coverage for our U-Squads. If Kenrick didn't feature them, we'd know a lot less about them if only depending on the Club site.

As to bringing him into the First Team, who knows what the Club will do. He just turned 20 last month. My take is, what's the rush? I'd send him out to a Championship club next season. He needs to be piling up minutes and games of experience, not occasional appearances in the Prem. Assuming we stay up, of course.

Does something with it, too. Just hasn't hit the back of the net yet.

Also, that's him sent in the pass that resulted in penalty call.

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https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1629698319143571457

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