Lewis Dobbin would certainly have had a smile on his face when listening to Rafa Benitez’s latest Everton press conferences. Opportunities have been quite prevalent already for the youngster over recent weeks as he has managed his first two substitute appearances for the senior side against Norwich City and Manchester United. Over that time the manager has made a real point of giving the striker praise for his effort in training, revealing that has been a big part of him earning his chance at the senior side. And Friday’s pre-Watford press conference went a little further, even hinting at how close the 18-year-old could be to starting matches in the future.
Rafa Benitez said: “He’s training well with us so he’s close. How close? If we have a very difficult game, in theory he cannot be the first choice if you have Richarlison for example. If it’s an easy game, maybe he can. I’m sure that he will have his opportunity if he continues working as he is now.”
Realistically, Dobbin isn’t the only young player who should be given a good amount of encouragement with comments such as that.
