Ledson doesn't need too much pressure yet, says U21s coach

Academy prospect Ryan Ledson must be allowed to come through the ranks at Everton FC without too much pressure on his shoulders, says his coach.


Blues’ under-21s boss David Unsworth is excited about the 17-year-old’s potential and praised his battling performance in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United last week.

Ledson played most of the Premier League u-21 match alongside first-team veteran Leon Osman, who is rebuilding his match fitness after a lengthy absence due to a foot injury.

Unsworth said the experience for the Fazakerley teenager was invaluable and believes Ledson raised his standards when partnering Osman in midfield.



But the u-21s coach said that even when Osman was substituted with 20 minutes remaining, Ledson still showed his quality.

Ledson made his first-team debut in December when Everton took on Krasnodar in their Europa League dead rubber at Goodison and Roberto Martinez praised the teenager’s performance.

But Unsworth says nobody at the club will be putting undue pressure on the youngster too early in his development.

“Even when Leon went off he stepped up to the plate and his tackles, reading of the game and composure on the ball was fantastic and Ryan is only going to get better and better,” Unsworth said.

“We forget that he is 17 and only just turned 17.

“We have a lot of expectation but it is important we don’t put too much too soon on him.”

Everton’s u-21s are next in action on Monday night when they travel to Spurs u-21s.


By Phil Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo