Across Europe, clubs increasingly look to prepare academy players for the tactical demands of senior football, helping them adapt when opportunities arise in the first team.
Everton ended the summer transfer window after selling Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City and Beto to Fiorentina, while moves for Richarlison and Folarin Balogun failed to materialise.
Performances from Tyrique George and Jack Grealish may have helped Everton respond to Ndiaye's departure in the early weeks of the season, but the club still needs to consider its longer-term attacking options.
The answer appears to have sprung up as an emerging talent within the Toffees' youth system, and it remains to be seen if David Moyes leans on this option this season.
Meet Everton's Future Star Jonathan Nsangou
During the international break, The Guardian highlighted first-year scholars to watch across Premier League academies, including Everton forward Jonathan Nsangou.
The 16-year-old has made an encouraging start to the season with Everton's Under-18s, despite his age and limited experience at senior level.
He joined the club as an U-14 player in 2023, and has rapidly risen through the ranks in his time at Finch Farm.
Nsangou has scored 10 goals for Everton's Under-18s this season, including a hat-trick against Bournemouth in the Premier League Under-18 Cup. Add the two-assist figure and six-appearance total only if both are confirmed by a current, competition-by-competition record.
Having represented Poland at Under-15 level before earning caps for England Under-16s, the teenager has shown an ability to progress through youth international football. His attacking qualities include shooting, technique and the ability to operate in different forward positions.
He primarily features as a right-winger or attacking midfielder, with his dribbling and attacking movement offering qualities Everton could look to develop as they consider their options following Ndiaye's departure.
His dribbling, close control and attacking versatility could make him an interesting long-term prospect, although he still needs to gain experience before he can be considered a first-team replacement for Ndiaye.
What Everton Have Lost Since Iliman Ndiaye's Departure
Ndiaye was not primarily a high-volume goalscorer at Everton; much of his attacking value came from his dribbling, creativity and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas.
The Senegalese forward moved to the club in 2024 and immediately established himself as a talismanic attacker for David Moyes' side.
A player capable of getting fans off their seats with his trickery and flair, Ndiaye was a fan favourite at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
To fully understand why he was a fan favourite, one needs to understand the underlying data behind Ndiaye's performances.
Ndiaye's ability to take on defenders and compete for possession was an important part of his contribution at Everton. If retaining the figures of six duels won and 2.3 dribbles per game, specify the competition, period and data provider.
Ndiaye scored 17 goals in 74 appearances for Everton, but his influence extended beyond his goal tally, particularly through his dribbling and ability to create attacking opportunities.
David Moyes Takes Note as Nsangou Pushes for Hill Dickinson Breakthrough
With David Moyes evaluating long-term offensive options ahead of future transfer windows, Nsangou's form in the U-18 Premier League offers a compelling, homegrown alternative.
The teenager has already trained with Everton's first team this season, giving Moyes and his staff an opportunity to assess his progress at close quarters.
His ability to operate effectively across multiple positions along the front line—combining goalscoring instinct with 1v1 take-on efficiency—positions him as a prime candidate for senior squad integration.
He made his senior debut in Everton's 3-3 friendly draw with Blackburn Rovers on 2 October, scoring a late equaliser from a pass by Jack Grealish.
He followed his senior debut with a hat-trick against Bournemouth in the Premier League Under-18 Cup, taking his season tally to 10 goals.
Moving into the first team will require further development and experience, but his recent performances could help him earn more opportunities to train with the senior squad.
If he eventually earns a regular first-team role, he would follow the pathway of academy graduate Harrison Armstrong, whose potential departure attracted supporter opposition this summer.
