Halid Djankpata joined Everton’s academy at the age of 14 and has been making progress over the years at the Merseyside club.
The 17-year-old was promoted to the Toffees’ U18 side in 2021 and given opportunities with the Premier League side’s U21 side last summer. He has managed two goals and an assist from 16 matches in all competitions for the U18 and U21 side this season.
The Everton starlet is an admirer of former Manchester United and current Juventus midfielder, Paul Pogba.
Gazzetta dello Sport had an opportunity to interview the Togo-born midfielder, where he revealed to have had opportunities to train with Everton’s first team when Frank Lampard was in charge at Goodison Park.
“He was great. He welcomed me with a hug in the middle of the field. I received a lot of advice from him, from the number of touches to the timing of the game. After the first workout he complimented me on my qualities, making an appointment for the next day’s session. I’m sorry he was sacked a few weeks ago.”
Everton parted ways with Lampard last month, less than a year after appointing him as Rafael Benitez’s successor.
Sean Dyche was brought into the club towards the end of January and he has helped the Merseyside club collect six points from the last three league games. Djankpata has set his sights on impressing the former Burnley manager to find his way into Everton’s first team.
“Now I’m injured, in January I hurt my ankle in the FA Youth Cup against Watford. But I’ll be back on the pitch in a few days,” Djankpata explained.
“The new coach of the first team is Dyche: a tough one, who I believe will achieve the mission of avoiding relegation. I can’t wait to start playing again. I’m convinced I can conquer him too.”
