Everton should give academy attacker a chance to compete with £2.25m man

Everton have a young brigade of attackers in Ellis Simms, Nathan Broadhead and Lewis Dobbin. Two of the three were on loan last season and sparkled for their respective sides. This summer, a decision has to be made over their futures.

Everton have managed to keep hold of Dominic Calvert-Lewin who will head the frontline next season but there are plenty of options for the backup role. Salomon Rondon served as the backup to Calvert-Lewin last season as the likes of Simms and Broadhead were gaining experience out on loan. According to Liverpool ECHO, Simms looks set to leave on another loan this season.

Simms, a 21-year old English striker, spent the second half of last season in the Scottish Premiership playing for the Hearts of Midlothian. He appeared in 17 matches for the club and there were moments when he looked like a polished and lethal striker. Simms was able to score five goals during his short time despite limited opportunities to start for his club. What is even more impressive is that three of those goals came in the last two months of the season.

Now, the young Englishman could have stayed at the club and learned the trade from the likes of Calvert-Lewin and occasionally played cup games. This would allow him to gel with the first team and gain valuable experience in England. Perhaps, impressive performances could even see him get ahead of Rondon in the pecking order.

Nonetheless, for a team with limited striking options and who has had recent struggles with their finances, Simms is a cost-friendly young player who could prove himself this season. The Englishmen certainly will not be making the first team sheet but last season proved more than ever that depth is essential in Premier League football.

Everton will not be receiving any groundbreaking loan or transfer fees by offloading this young gem nor will they be free themselves of a high salary. The only upside will be he might go to a side where regular playing time is almost guaranteed. However, there might be more to learn from the first team and put it to use when given the chance. Simms is a player with a very friendly contract and a very promising future so why not give the lad a chance to compete with this squad?

Should Ellis Simms be given a chance to compete with Salomon Rondon for the backup role?