Unsy says it’s time for famous five to kick on
EVERTON’S Famous Five can relax on their sunbeds and lap up every precious moment of being a World Cup winner.
But their Goodison Park Under-23s boss David Unsworth is already warning them to get back to business once they unpack and work their socks off to become first-team regulars.
In his eyes, though, Jonjoe Kenny, Callum Connolly, Ademola Lookman, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Kieran Dowell could not have a better chance to prove their worth than under the expert guidance of Everton manager Ronald Koeman.
The Dutchman is not afraid to be down with the kids – his glory years playing at sides like Ajax and Barcelona have encouraged hime to believe in giving youth a break.
Unsworth admits he jumped around his lounge cheering the Everton boys he has coached as they beat Venezuela in South Korea to become the undisputed world champions of Under-20s football. Now the hard work begins. Unsworth said: “It’s an amazing achievement. What they have done is very, very special. We are so proud of our Everton boys and I’m delighted. I was biting my nails and shouting at the TV.
“Then I was jumping around at the full-time whistle. They have to enjoy this moment because it can be once in a lifetime. They should enjoy it, rest and then they need to come back flying for pre-season.
“All five of them are great lads. They are all desperate to be part of what is going on at our club. But they have to keep proving themselves.
“Just because they have come through our ranks doesn’t mean they have a divine right to play in our first team. They need to prove it every day in training and they need to earn their places.
“What I do know is that they are all fighters and they will give it their best to get there. We have a manager who is not afraid to play young players if he feels they are good enough.
“So they have an opportunity here and historically over the years we have always given an opportunity to young players.
“Our boys have already had a taste of first-team football and it’s up to them now to grasp the nettle, really kick on and improve. They have been on a great stage.
“They have had great exposure and they have done something no team has ever done before. They have got to have the hunger and desire.”