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‘What a handful’: Manager says on-loan Everton striker is showing real signs of progression
Everton striker and Toffees academy gem Ellis Simms is currently away from Goodison Park on loan, and is beginning to show real signs of progression.
The Toffees prodigy has been a regular in David Unsworth’s Under-23s side over the last 18 months, having enjoyed an amazingly prolific campaign for the Under-18s in 2018-19.
Simms also made it into a Premier League matchday squad for the first time earlier this season, getting a spot on the bench for the 2-1 loss at Newcastle United.
The 20-year-old was also among the substitutes when Carlo Ancelotti’s side took on Rotherham in the FA Cup, but he is yet to make his debut for the first team.
Simms left Goodison Park in January, linking up with League One side Blackpool on loan until the end of the season.
He has made seven appearances in all competitions for the Seasiders, scoring twice – both on his debut against Wigan – and claiming an assist.
Simms put in a man-of-the-match display in the 3-0 victory at Charlton last Saturday, winning a penalty and laying the ball off for Matty Virtue to score the second of the afternoon.
“I think that is a good example of Ellis playing to his strengths,” manager Neil Critchley told the Blackpool .
“When he does what he’s good at, and he does it continuously, then it shows what a handful he can be. He’s got pace, a physical presence and the attribute of running in behind.
“This is his first loan move playing men’s football and it’s a big step up from Under-23s to senior football.
“He’s adapting, and on Saturday he showed real signs of progression and coping at the level. Hopefully he can step on that now, stay in the team and do what he’s good at.”
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Simms has shown he’s a cut above at age level for Everton, but he’s far from the finished product, hence his loan switch to Blackpool.
Critchley’s glowing assessment of how he’s doing at Bloomfield Road will be music to Everton fans’ ears and hopefully he’ll continue to progress and prosper over the course of the season.