Reece Welch idolises some of football's biggest names - but it is a team-mate just two years older than him who could show him the pathway to Everton’s first-team.
Born in Huddersfield, Welch joined Everton’s academy at the age of seven. Now, 12 years into his Blues career, he has established himself as a Premier League 2 regular.
But the England youth international wants much more. He wants to be a first-team player. He wants to become a Premier League centre-back.
A classy and composed defender, Welch was rewarded for his impressive displays in the club’s youth system when he was offered a new four-year deal by the club last year.
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Welch had no hesitation in putting pen to paper. Speaking after signing the deal, the defender laid bare his ambitions.
"I’ve been at this club since I was seven years old and seen so many players come through the academy into the first team, and I’ve always wanted to be one of those," he said.
"Now that I’ve been in and around there, it inspires me to take the next step. I want to kick on in the First Team, look to make a few more appearances, and show what I’m about.
"I want to wear this blue shirt in the Premier League and, long-term, help Everton to success. Everton fans want hard work, dedication, and passion for the club, and if I can give that, hopefully I’ll be able to do a good job for Everton."
Since his new deal last October, Welch has become a regular for Paul Tait in his under-21 side. And since Sean Dyche’s arrival, the 19-year-old has continued to be a part of senior matchday squads and training sessions.
However, the centre-back is no stranger to being around the first-team setup. Welch made his Everton debut in March 2022, coming on as a late substitute during the 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round victory over Boreham Wood.
He then made his first senior start five months later in Everton's 1-0 Carabao Cup victory at Fleetwood Town. He went on to make 27 appearances in all competitions for Tait’s side last season, as well as being named on the bench for the Blues’ final three Premier League games of the season.
However, the young defender is now eager to take the next step in his career and depart Goodison on loan this summer in a bid to gain first-team experience.
A loan move to MK Dons fell through back in January, and although the League Two club remains interested in Welch, they have yet to make an offer to Everton. Other sides from across the EFL are expected to keep a close eye on developments.
And if the centre-back was looking for inspiration, he doesn't need to look further than team-mate Jarrad Branthwaite. The England under-21 international departed Everton on loan last summer, moving to PSV Eindhoven.
The transfer paid off for the former Carlisle United man; not only was he able to gain first-team experience at a high level, but his performances were so impressive that he has now played his way into Dyche’s thinking. He has just helped his country to European Under-21 Championship victory too.
Everton’s need to strengthen their squad is clear for all to see, but one position the Blues may not need to strengthen is at centre-back. As things stand, including Welch, Dyche has six centre-backs to choose from.
That means there should be no reason why Welch won’t be allowed to leave before the summer transfer window closes.
Provided he picks the right club and stays injury-free, there is no reason why he couldn’t find himself in the position Branthwaite does next year.
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