Everton under-21s manager Paul Tait has described what he feels should be the identity of his side and discussed the importance of individual development plans for each player.
The former under-18s boss was promoted during the summer following the exit of David Unsworth as under-23s manager towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign. His move left a vacancy for Blues hero Leighton Baines to step into as the U18s coach.
High on the agenda for Tait as he prepares to take on the mantle as U21 manager has been to create an identity for his players to live up to. And, speaking to evertonfc.com on Wednesday, he explained what he wants his players to show in and out of possession over the course of the coming campaign.
READ MORE: Everton make Ellis Simms transfer decision amid Blackpool and Sunderland links
READ MORE: Everton's stunning Bramley-Moore Dock transformation in 12 before and after pictures
He remarked: "First of all, we have to show our Everton identity without the ball – to hunt in packs, press when we can, to be dynamic and physical. And, if we can’t press, we need to make sure we’re in a good solid shape.
"With the ball, we want the boys to express themselves and show what they can bring to the table. We want to try to play through the thirds and to play attacking football.
"We don’t just want to have possession for the sake of it. We want to have the ball as much as possible, but it’s got to have an end product. It’s got to have a meaning."
Everton have a number of exciting players in the academy setup at present and the system has recently produced Anthony Gordon, who has become a crucial member of the first team in recent months. Supporters are always delighted to see moments such as that and Tait knows how important it is to develop young talent.
The U21s manager holds individuality at the core of this, making sure every player is given their own development plan for the future.
"In terms of the job, it’s important for us to treat every player individually and not just think of the team," Tait added.
"Every player will have their own development plan and it is about where they are in their particular journey. You might have some 19-year-olds who are ready to go out on loan, while others might not be quite ready to make that step.
"We have to think of the pathway which is going to give us the best chance of players transitioning through to the first team, as ultimately that’s what we want to do. And if boys don’t go all the way to our first team, we want them to have a good career in the game.
"If you want to get the best out of someone, you need to find out what they’re about individually. That means taking an interest in them – and not just thinking of them as a keeper, defender, midfielder or forward.
"You need to invest time and get to know each boy as an individual. That’s really important to me and to the other staff in the academy.
"That’s the way forward, definitely, to have those relationships with the boys where they feel comfortable telling you what they think. We want feedback.
"We don’t just want it to be one-way, where the coach is king. We need the players to feedback, and we need to know how they’re feeling. The only way you’re going to do that is with good communication."
Part of developing youth players is making sure that there is a pathway to the first team, and that has been the case with Everton recently. Frank Lampard and his coaching staff have worked with a number of academy stars throughout training sessions, and some have had opportunities in pre-season matches recently too.
Tait is hoping that can continue after he has had positive talks with the Everton assistant manager.
He said: "I’ve had some really good conversations [with the first-team coaching staff]. Joe Edwards, in particular, has been a really good contact for me.
"And the manager has been fantastic with the younger players.
"I think just being in and around the first team sessions will be very beneficial – seeing the intensity they train at and the quality they have – and then getting into the detail of what the coaching staff and the manager want from certain positions, as well as learning about their principles of play, as a team and individuals.
"That will help us all in the academy to try to produce players for the first team."
READ NEXT:
- Everton 'set their sights' on '£20m midfielder Liverpool targeted' as Gini Wijnaldum replacement
- Frank Lampard faces choice between two Everton players as positive dilemma emerges
- Ruben Vinagre breaks silence with huge transfer hint amid Everton 'full agreement' claim
- How Everton's backroom team plan to fix Rafa Benitez issue Frank Lampard is yet to fully solve
- Ruben Vinagre latest as Everton interested in former Wolves wing-back
