Rafa Benitez calls up Everton defensive midfielder with 'impressive technique' to first-team training
Everton boss Rafa Benitez is putting his players through their paces ahead of their next Premier League game.
The Toffees are in action at Goodison Park on Saturday as they host Watford.
Sadly, Everton were dealt a big blow earlier this week, with Abdoulaye Doucoure set for a spell on the sidelines.
The Toffees midfielder has been key for Rafael Benitez this season, registering two goals and four assists in the league.
However, Doucoure suffered a stress response in a bone in his foot in last Sunday’s 1-0 home defeat to West Ham.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old is expected to return to action in six to seven weeks.
One potential option for Benitez to bolster his ranks is academy ace Tyler Onyango, who recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff.
On Thursday, Everton shared pictures of their players in first-team training, and another young midfielder was in the fold.
Luke Butterfield is in the background of the top-left picture, standing just in front of Duncan Ferguson.
The 18-year-old, a defensive midfielder by trade, is a regular in the Under-23s.
He has made eight Premier League 2 appearances this season, as well as two for the U21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.
Butterfield joined Everton at Under-12` level and signed his first professional contract in October 2020, penning a three-year deal.
According to the Toffees website, the Scotland youth international “boasts impressive technique and a wide passing range”.
In addition, his footballing idol is Barcelona great Sergio Busquets.
Butterfield is yet to make his senior debut – could he be in contention this weekend?
