Analysis: how Everton FC's youngsters performed against KrasnodarRoberto Martinez gave youth a chance in last night's Europa League clash and here is our assessment
Everton FC correspondent Greg O'Keeffe gives his break-down of how Everton's young prospects fared in last night's 1-0 defeat against Krasnodar in the Europa League:
TYIAS BROWNING:After being thrown into the deep-end at Anfield and Old Trafford for the first team already this term, a Goodison dead-rubber held no fear for the 20-year-old defender.
Nevertheless he took a while to get going, offering little end product from early forays down the flank and failing to make an impact in the opening stages.
Once he got going though, Browning showed why he is so highly-rated. A powerful performer, he regularly out-muscled whoever tried to run at him and grew in composure as the Blues back-line was rarely opened-up.
Roberto Martinez will want him to work on his distribution, but in athletic terms he is ready to play top flight football.
GETHIN JONES:Barely had time to do anything with a late, late cameo but the winger will take confidence from the fact he was used ahead of other talented youngsters such as Jonjoe Kenny and Joe Williams who are also considered full of potential but had to kick their heels against Krasnodar.
LUKE GARBUTT:The left-back is considered first-team material already and is a few steps further down the road than some of his team-mates from this tie.
Yet he had the most to lose in a sense, with an underwhelming performance potentially going against him. Not a chance though.
The England U-21 international was excellent; industrious of work-rate and efficient of distribution, he also showcased his wand of a left-wood with some classy deliveries.
Defensively too he shone, and will give Martinez real food for thought next time he must find someone to fill in for Leighton Baines.
KIERAN DOWELL:Plunged early into the fray as a result of Christian Atsu's injury, this asked a lot of the 17-year-old who was likely prepared for a much shorter cameo.
A skilful forward who likes to take on defenders, he was generally well-marshalled by an experienced Russian defence and had little opportunity to do anything eye-catching beyond a nice moment of inter-play with Garbutt and Steven Pienaar.
Overall though, he produced a tidy display; remaining focused throughout and was specifically name-checked by his manager afterwards for the maturity he showed in handling his longer-than-expected role.
RYAN LEDSON:Nothing seems to faze the midfielder, and he purred through 90 minutes like he belonged on this stage.
He has produced better displays for club and country at youth levels, but still everything he did was done with class.
Ledson models himself on James McCarthy and in terms of ceaseless work-rate and reliability there are similarities between them.
He is not the finished product yet, but arguably shone brightest out of Martinez's "young diamonds".
CONOR McALENY:It seems a long time since the Huyton-born striker almost scored on his debut at the Emirates as a fearless teenager.
McAleny has had to cope with more than his fair share of serious injuries since then, but his attitude remains first class.
Guilty only of trying a little too hard to impress last night, he would have flourished further by relaxing and playing his natural game.
It was understandable that the 22-year-old tried to get noticed though. He is at the stage when he needs to convert potential into performances and will kick himself for the odd careless moment in possession.
That said, McAleny tested Krasnodar keeper Andrei Sinitsin on a couple of occasions, and never hid as he ran himself into the ground.
CHRIS LONG:Only 10 minutes were afforded to the pacey youngster who sparkled in pre-season (and bagged a wonderful goal against SC Paderborn).
There was no repeat of his goal-scoring antics in such a short run-out, and little chance to really get on the ball, but Long will get further opportunities and has already proved he won't be over-awed by making the step-up into the senior ranks.
Despite his limited time his movement was savvy and he could now benefit from a chance to go on loan to a Championship side this term.
By Greg O’Keeffe / Echo
