Everton have in-house solution amid Abdoulaye Doucoure injury and Gbamin inconsistency

Tyler Onyango fits the profile that Everton need

Onyango fits the box-to-box mould. For his age, he’s quite physically strong even though the first impressions looking at him may seem that he’s slender. At 18, he’s yet to reach the peak of his physical condition and can still grow in muscle and mass.

The 18 year old was handed his first team debut by Carlo Ancelotti in the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday and the starlet immediately caught the eye. Eyes sparkled with a gleam as the Everton academy product impressed in a small cameo.

Soon the microscopic eyes dissected his style, strengths and weaknesses as he continued to be the engine for the U-23 side. Misfortune struck Onyango as he suffered a ligament injury and ankle fracture, forcing him to undergo surgery in April.

The midfielder has recently returned to action for David Unsworth’s side. He is yet to reach full fitness as he often seems to run out of gas after the 60-70 minute mark but Unsworth is confident that Onyango will reach his peak fitness level in no time.

He has the necessary armoury in his tank to succeed at the highest level. Onyango has been part of several first team training sessions, especially after Doucoure’s injury. Onyango’s return couldn’t have been timed better.

With the former Watford man out at least until the end of the international break, Onyango could have a shot at first team opportunity in the upcoming games. However, Rafa Benitez has iterated that he won’t fast track Onyango into the first team.

Perhaps, expecting the 18 year old to play the entire 90 minutes at first team level seems far fetched, but little cameos in the upcoming weeks will help Benitez test Onyango in the Premier League circus and evaluate whether he can slot into Doucoure’s shoes for a short time frame.

Tyler is a bundle of energy and athleticism, offering endless running and a respectable degree of physical presence. On top of that, he’s skilful, a salient reader of the game and moves with aplomb in possession. The young Englishman thrusts up and down the field tirelessly, almost as if functioning with an extra lung.

Doucoure’s damaging injury has paved a golden opportunity for Everton to test out Onyango on the elite level, aiding his development in the process. If the cards are played right and things turn out in Everton’s favour, the Toffees could have an in-house enigmatic backup to Doucoure in Onyango.

Will Tyler Onyango get a chance in Abdoulaye Doucoure’s absence?