Everton youngster could provide wildcard solution to problem position
An injury to Seamus Coleman could open up an opportunity at right-back and Roman Dixon has been impressing
Over recent years, Everton have had to sell several of their most talented youngsters as the academy has been sacrificed to help the club’s efforts to comply with Premier League spending requirements. But while some starlets have left there remains a core group of highly-talented players whose progress is causing excitement in the development ranks at Finch Farm.
One of those players is Roman Dixon, a young right back who is part of the England youth setup and who signed a new three year deal in June. “We’re pleased to recognise Roman’s development at Everton with this new contract”, director of football Kevin Thelwell said at the time.
“He is a player who has shown consistent progress through his time in the academy so far, highlighted by the recognition he has received by the national team. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with him on his journey towards senior football.”
The right back, now 20, spent much of last season in the Under-21s and is expected to remain there this season. He has trained with the first team, however, and while a step up to matchday involvement may yet be some time away, there could be an opportunity for him to stake a claim to being the long term successor to Seamus Coleman if he continues his development. Coleman will start this season as first choice in that position but, at 35, there is an awareness Everton need to plan for the future.
Nathan Patterson was the intended solution and the Scotland international could end up being the heir to the club captain’s throne. But a troubling injury record has severely impeded his progress and this has the feeling of a make-or-break campaign for the former Rangers man.
Should he continue to suffer injury misfortune then a good year for Dixon could lead to him making a challenge to move up into the senior team in the future.
