Harambee Stars prospect destined to fill Abdoulaye Doucoure's boots at Everton

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STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars prospect destined to fill Abdoulaye Doucoure's boots at Everton

Festus Chuma 11:00 - 21.10.2023

Young Everton midfielder with Kenyan roots is touted as Abdoulaye Doucoure's successor, showcasing promise during loan spells and in international football.

Everton Football Club has a rich history of nurturing young talent, and in recent years, it has continued to uphold this tradition with players like Seamus Coleman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The blue half of Merseyside has always prided itself on developing future stars, and the latest prospect on the horizon is 20-year-old midfielder Tyler Onyango. While comparisons to Abdoulaye Doucoure might seem ambitious, Onyango's journey through the ranks and his undeniable potential make him a name to watch.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, the 30-year-old midfield dynamo, arrived at Everton from Watford in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite. Known for his versatility and tenacious box-to-box play, Doucoure's influence on and off the field has been a driving force for the Toffees. Even Carlo Ancelotti once tipped Doucoure for a French national team call-up.

With several stellar performances and the occasional stunning goal, Doucoure's rise to prominence caught the attention of other clubs. However, his 2024 contract extension with Everton has temporarily quelled the transfer rumors.

But when the day eventually comes for Doucoure to part ways with Everton, the club may not need to look far for his replacement. Enter Tyler Onyango, a highly promising 20-year-old midfielder who has been with Everton since he signed as a youth in 2011. As he progressed through the club's ranks, Onyango developed into an imposing figure, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, much like the 6-foot Doucoure.

While Onyango's path to the first team has been a gradual one, he has certainly caught the eye of Everton's coaching staff. His journey has included several loan spells at different clubs to gain valuable experience. Some within the club have even drawn comparisons between Onyango and Doucoure, believing he could be the natural successor to fill the midfield void left by the Mali international.

Onyango's loan experiences have been a mixed bag. His loan spell at Burton Albion, which was cut short after 16 games due to a recall by Everton, showed glimpses of his potential. During his time at Burton, a League One side that finished 15th in the 2022/23 season, Onyango managed to make a positive impact. Despite not playing full 90-minute matches, he won 14 tackles and made five interceptions.

One aspect that stands out about Onyango is his impressive stamina, a trait that Everton's coaching staff holds in high regard. While his loan spells may not have provided a comprehensive picture of his abilities, it's clear that he possesses the potential to become a key figure in Everton's midfield.

Moreover, Onyango's international prospects are intriguing. With five appearances for England U17 back in 2019 and his father's Kenyan heritage, he could become a significant player in international competitions in the future. His diverse background adds an extra layer of intrigue to his promising career.

Everton's commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in their continued faith in Tyler Onyango. As they await a player who can replicate Doucoure's contributions, they see potential in the young midfielder who has been making steady progress through the club's ranks.

The comparisons to Doucoure may seem ambitious, but Onyango's physical attributes, work ethic, and glimpses of excellence suggest that he could be the long-term answer in Everton's midfield.