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Post by Everton News. on Jul 3, 2023 21:00:11 GMT
Everton Under-18s striker Martin Sherif has signed his first professional contract, penning a three-year deal until the end of June 2026.
The 17-year-old joined the Blues from Dutch club Almere City in the summer of 2019 and has made impressive progress through the Club’s Academy.
The Netherlands youth international particularly excelled last season, scoring 15 goals and registering a further four assists in just 23 appearances for Leighton Baines’ Under-18s.
“I feel good. There’s lots of joy at signing this contract and I’m ready to go,” Sherif told evertontv.
“I know I’ve improved. To go from six league goals in the previous season to 14 last time is great. It was a season of working hard on improvements.”
Reflecting on the strides he has made, Sherif was keen to show his gratitude to Baines and his staff for the role they have played in his development journey across the past 12 months.
“Leighton spoke to me about my hold-up play and he used Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a good example,” he added. “Kieran (Driscoll - Under 18s assistant head coach) has helped with my composure in front of goal. Both of them have been really helpful to me, so I appreciate that.”
Sherif has also been handed opportunities to train and play for Everton Under-21s. The teenager made three appearances for Paul Tait’s side last term and he set out his determination for more minutes in 2023/24, with a long-term goal to catch the eye of Men’s Senior Team boss Sean Dyche.
"For next season, I want to be in and around the Under-21 side,” added Sherif. “Play well there which could hopefully catch Sean Dyche’s eye.
“It’s also important for me to keep featuring for Holland because playing for your country is one of the best honours you can achieve.”
Sherif’s goalscoring exploits at Everton were recognised at international level and he was part of the Netherlands’ Under-17s squad that participated in the European Championships in May. Although the Dutch failed to make it out the group stage, Sherif said it was terrific for him to be involved in such a showpiece event.
“It was a great experience, especially starting and playing in my first game at the Euros as my nation’s No.9, with my last name on the back,” he said. “It was a really proud moment for me. Even though it didn’t go well for the team, I enjoyed the experience.”
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