Kevin Thelwell has admitted Everton have a "clear plan" for defender Joe Anderson after a new deal for the under-21s star was confirmed.
On Thursday afternoon the Blues confirmed that the centre-back, who can also play as a left-back, had put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension to keep him at the club until 2024. The 21-year-old has been a consistent performer throughout the levels of the academy for some time, having been at Finch Farm since the age of 15.
Everton's director of football was quoted in the announcement of the new deal - and revealed there is a pathway in place for Anderson hopefully to realise his potential in the near future.
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Thelwell told evertonfc.com : “Joe has been with us since the age of 15 and his attitude and progression in that time have been very impressive. We have a clear plan for Joe to continue his development with us and look forward to helping him fulfil his potential.”
Anderson is set to link up with new U21s manager Paul Tait once more in the coming campaign, having excelled with the coach during his time as an U18s player. The defender is excited to rekindle that relationship and admits he has also had a conversation with the Thelwell over what the next two years should hold for him.
Anderson added: "I'm delighted. It was an easy process. I spoke with Kevin and he's explained the next steps for me over these next two years – it's really exciting, with the new Academy structure. It felt perfect and I didn't have a second thought about signing the contract. It's amazing to get two years as well. It's a bit of security for me but it shows the club have faith in me which is a big boost.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Taity again. He has been brilliant with me – and I know the rest of the lads would say the same. There was a real buzz when we heard he was going up to be U21s head coach.
"I believe I've played my best football under him. We’ve got a really good relationship and I feel like he's someone who can get the very best out of me and help me get ready for first-team football.
"I'll be working at 100 per cent every day with the U21s, then if and when there are opportunities to impress the first-team manager and his staff, I want to take them. You never know when they might happen so you always have to be ready and I'll make sure that I am."
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