Everton’s academy has always produced a steady stream of stars, plenty of whom have gone on to impress at the top level.
Not all make the grade at Goodison Park, but throughout every level of English football, there is at least some representative of the Toffees’ youth production present.
It marks a glittering commendation for their processes, however of late that has slowed dramatically.
With the club no longer a desirable prospect for promising youngsters, and without the funds to keep ahold of those who do start to break through, it is a sad summary of their current financial position that many players like Ellis Simms, Tom Cannon and Ishe Samuels-Smith were forced out the door before they were allowed to flourish at Everton.
However, Leon Osman has now detailed one particular sale that his former club must regret.
Leon Osman raves over Antonee Robinson
Speaking to Sport Optus, the 43-year-old offered his verdict on Antonee Robinson, who has grown into a fine player for Fulham.
Having left the Toffees in 2019 after a string of injuries in the academy, he would go on to take his opportunity at Wigan Athletic, very nearly even earning a move to AC Milan.
And whilst that fell through, the west London outfit would soon come calling, and he has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Osman is full of admiration for the full-back and even suggested that he knew he boasted talent way back when he was playing for Everton.
He noted: ‘He always drives forward and he’s always ready. I played with young Antonee when he was at Everton and he’s come on so much physically. He’s a real threat down that left side for Fulham, no doubt about it.’
Another Everton academy product shining elsewhere
It was a long road for Robinson to get back to Premier League football, but since returning he has more than proven his place.
In fact, for the Cottagers, the USA international is widely regarded as one of their most important players, with his dynamism and attacking impetus from full-back integral to Marco Silva’s system.
Osman clearly saw that all those years ago, and yet the £50k-a-week defender still does not shirk his defensive duties.
In fact, when compared to other full-backs across Europe, he sits in the top 17% for progressive carries per 90 and the top 1% for interceptions per 90, via FBref.
It is quite impressive to think that Fulham snatched Robinson for a mere £2m, capitalising on Wigan Athletic’s poor financial situation.
He joins a long list of Everton academy graduates to have gone on to enjoy their best form away from the club, with Wayne Rooney, Anthony Gordon and Eric Dier just a few others over the years.