Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell has detailed why he believes Jenson Metcalfe is fully deserving of his new four-year contract with the club.
The Blues announced on Tuesday afternoon that the 18-year-old had put pen-to-paper on a deal which would keep him at FInch Farm until at least 2026. The midfielder has been with the academy since the age of five and was handed his debut at under-21 level in April 2021.
A four-year contract for the youngster represents a big commitment from Everton and a belief in his potential. And Thelwell has gone on to explain that he is looking forward to seeing the teenager back on the pitch after his current injury problem.
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The director of football told evertontv : "This long-term contract is testament to Jenson’s hard work and progression throughout our Academy.
"He has been dedicated throughout his rehabilitation from his knee injury and we are all looking forward to him getting back out on the pitch and continuing to develop his talent under Paul Tait and his coaching staff."
Metcalfe is currently sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury which he picked up earlier this year. The midfielder is going through a rehabilitation process to work his way back to full fitness.
He's delighted to have signed his new contract with the club and explained where he is up to with his recovery, as he's already looking forward to being back involved with the U21s.
Metcalfe told evertontv : "The club means everything to me. It really is a dream to sign this contract and play here and is a reward for me and my family for all our hard work.
"It’s very important for me to have that faith from the club. I’ve not had the year I wanted to because of the injury but this has given me joy.
"Rehab is going well. I’ve made some progress over the past few months, been out on the grass and I’m happy to be out there with my boots back on.
"The support I’ve had from Everton has been the best I could have asked for. Having the physios each day to get me working towards being fit again, it’s been unbelievable.
"I just want to be back playing, get stronger and get back in the starting team for the under-21s."
Metcalfe will be working closely with Paul Tait when he's back at full fitness, who he has a lot of experience with at under-18 level. The midfielder knows what to expect from his manager, and he also has his sights set on the hard work needed to achieve his first team dream.
“Paul is a great manager who helps me a lot,” added Metcalfe. “He’ll pull you to one side and let you know what you need to work on and then the next time you play, you can look to take that on board.
“As a midfielder, I like to play long-range passing and I love a tackle! I love a shot from outside the box, too.
“My long-term aim is to play for the first team because then I would have played at every stage throughout the club. Seeing that pathway for others and how they get a chance with the first team, it inspires you. There is still a lot of work to be done, though, and I’m ready for that.”
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