Simms could save Everton millions after what pundit has just seen
Noel Whelan has claimed Everton could save millions in the transfer window thanks to the emergence of young striker Ellis Simms.
The former Leeds hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 20-year-old could act as more than adequate backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
Simms made his debut for Everton in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The academy graduate, who joined the Toffees from Manchester City in 2017, got the nod ahead of Cenk Tosun.
Whelan suggested his breakthrough could help Everton avoid spending money on another centre-forward.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Why not put the young lad in? Simms was touted to start the game a couple of weeks ago but he never did. They went with Rondon.
“Last night, what better place and better challenge for a young player, away from home against Chelsea, to go out there and stake a claim for a first-team place and nail it down?
“You’ve got two very, very good strikers out now in Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. These are the sort of doors that open for young players to really stake your claim in the first-team squad.
“Make a name for yourself. Hopefully, touch wood, he goes and does that because that will save Everton a lot of money looking elsewhere for strikers.
“You’ve got it homegrown, home blooded, from the youth setup. This is what you want. This is why you have a pathway. For these certain sorts of seasons when you get injuries you don’t suspect.”
Simms has been on the bench for five Premier League games this season.
He has scored 17 goals in 37 appearances for the under-23s so far.
In other news, Everton and West Ham in race to beat Southampton to 20-year-old sensation.