Everton appear to have unearthed a little gem recently, which could be the key to their success in the Premier League next season.

Brendan Galloway has been playing for Everton’s U21 team this season and as the campaign has progressed, has improved enough for Roberto Martinez to hand him his first team debut against West Ham last weekend. The Spanish manager loves to give youngsters the chance to prove themselves and has always been known for rewarding those who have performed for the youth team.

The 19-year-old had an excellent debut, coping well, and he didn’t seem fazed by the atmosphere or the experience. Martinez said after the game: "It was a big moment in his career that he coped with in a magnificent manner.

"I thought Brendan was always cool, composed and had an incredible confidence."

His biggest problem came when West Ham scored in the secon half, as he got caught out and could be blamed for the goal going in. But, in all, the youngster showed a lot of potential, which has got many Toffees’ fans very excited. A large section of the fans expected to see Luke Garbutt’s name on the team sheet as he has proved himself all season and many are hoping the club will sign him at the end of the season, but Galloway’s selection could be Martinez’ back-up.

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Galloway became the youngest first-team player in MK Don’s history when he made his debut in 2011, and has previously been likened to former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand.

In the U21 side this season he has excelled as a central defender but Martinez chose to play him at left-back to replace the injured Leighton Baines, and he is hoping that his natural left foot will help him develop as a left-sided centre back.

The 19-year-old can also play as a holding midfielder, so his options are open and his U21 coach David Unsworth told the Liverpool Echo that he is a talent for the future.

He said: "We have been delighted with him, he has been terrific and he is a terrific young man who is desperate to be a footballer.

"His talent is there for all to see and he has application every single day in training. We think a lot of him, if we didn't then we would not have brought him to the football club."

After impressing it looks like the future will be bright for Galloway and this hidden gem is ready to shine next season. Slyvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz are set to leave Everton in the summer, so it looks like he could become the regular back-up option to Phil Jagielka and John Stones next season.

After his confident performance against West Ham it looks like he will be giving Luke Garbutt a run for his money. The other option would be a loan out to a Championship club to get more game time.

Up until now, Brendon Galloway has been a relatively unknown player coming through the ranks at Goodison Park, but in a few years’ time he could be the player on everyone’s lips.

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