‘The real deal’, ‘future ready’: Some Everton fans in awe of ‘Rooney’-like academy gem

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A number of Everton fans have taken to Twitter to rave about Ellis Simms’ latest goalscoring heroics for the Toffees Under-23s.

The 19-year-old’s prolific form for David Unsworth’s Everton youngsters shows no signs of abating as he scored a dramatic late winner in the Premier League 2 win over Derby’s U23s at Goodison Park on Monday evening.

Everton’s Under-23s have seen several of their key players become unavailable for a variety of reasons like loan moves away, first-team call-ups, or simply injury, and as a result, things have been less steady for Unsworth than last term, when the Toffees won the double.

Nonetheless, Simms’ promotion from the Under-18s to the Under-23s is proving fairly seamless, building on his staggering 46-goal campaign for the Under-18s last time out.

Last time out, the forward struck a brace against Plymouth Argyle in the Premier League Cup, and he followed that up with the deciding goal against the Rams, racing through and slotting home one-on-one.

Prior to Simms’ goal, Manasse Mampala had opened the scoring for Everton in the second half, but Cameron Cresswell drew the visitors level.

Here is what some Everton fans on social media said about Simms’ latest display for the Toffees U23s: