This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Everton U23s boss David Unsworth has praised Oumar Niasse after the struggling striker bagged two goals for the youth side against Crewe Alexandra.
What did he say?
Niasse’s goals in the 2-2 draw at Gresty Road were enough for Unsworth’s men to advance in the Leasing.com trophy. It was a rare sight to see 29-year-old on the scoresheet, as Niasse has failed to make a name for himself on Merseyside over the past few years.
However, the U23s boss has sung his praises after his recent display and praised his attitude.
Unsworth told Evertonfc.com: “Oumar gives you everything he’s got.
“The lads love him and they were all singing his name in the dressing room at the end!
“The man is just infectious. His attitude is incredible and he got his goals tonight.”
First-team still far off
Marco Silva has struggled to get goals out of his side this season. Everton’s first-team currently sit 17th in the table and have only scored 11 goals in the 11 games that have been played.
This awful record puts Silva’s squad as the joint fourth-lowest scoring team in the Premier League.
The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison up top have been looked at for these goals. However, the two have just five league goals between them so far.
On the other hand, Niasse only has nine goals in 39 appearances for the senior squad, a record which has justifiably seen him drop into the reserves to find some form. The former Cardiff City man is perhaps fifth in the pecking order for a role as Everton’s striker, with the likes of Cenk Tosun and Moise Kean most likely ahead of him.
Plus, if there is anybody who is going to make the move to the first-team it is Anthony Gordon.
The youth star has six goals and three assists for the U23s so far and is pushing for a senior appearance.
