NafisaEverton’s academy graduates made a strong impact over the weekend, delivering standout performances and finding the back of the net in crucial matches.
Former Blues Lewis Dobbin and Charlie Whitaker both scored important goals, boosting their respective teams’ promotion hopes. Meanwhile, Isaac Price shone for West Bromwich Albion, earning the man of the match award in their latest victory. Though these young talents have moved on from Merseyside, their continued progress remains a testament to the foundation laid at Finch Farm.
Dobbin faced challenges after leaving Everton. The 22-year-old, who made his senior breakthrough last season and scored his only goal for the club in a home win against Chelsea, was sold to Aston Villa in June. Loaned to West Brom initially, he struggled for game time before being recalled in January and sent to Norwich City. Since arriving at Carrow Road, Dobbin has thrived, scoring his second goal for the club in a 4-2 victory over Stoke City. His opener in that match helped push Norwich within four points of the Championship play-off spots.
One of the teams Norwich is chasing is West Brom, where Everton loanee Mason Holgate plays alongside Price, who joined from Standard Liege last month. The Northern Ireland international, handed his Premier League debut by Frank Lampard two years ago, left Everton for Belgium the following summer. The 21-year-old was instrumental in West Brom’s 2-0 win over Oxford United, assisting Alex Mowatt’s opening goal in a man of the match performance. His former academy teammate Stan Mills, who made a permanent move to Oxford in January, came on as a substitute for the opposition.
In League Two, Notts County remains within touching distance of an automatic promotion spot, trailing only on goal difference. Whitaker played a key role in their latest victory, scoring from the edge of the box to break the deadlock in a 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers. It was his second goal since joining Notts County in January, further highlighting the impact Everton’s former youth prospects are making across the leagues.
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