Kevin Thelwell’s decision to send Everton youngster Ellis Simms on loan to Sunderland looks to have been a masterclass, as the 21-year-old striker has starred so far in the Championship.

The English striker impressed last season with a loan spell at Motherwell, scoring seven times in 21 appearances.

Now however, upon his return to England, he seems to be announcing himself as a real option for the Toffees in the coming seasons.

Although many fans thought this season should have been his time to play for his parent club, it appears that his form on Wearside is giving him far more experience than he would have received on Frank Lampard’s bench.

He has quickly become an important cog in a Black Cats side are sat in a playoff spot, and has three goals already in just eight appearances.

Although injuries have hampered his progress, the 6 foot 2 forward seemingly has all the abilities to be a success.

He could bring his pace, physicality and great finishing back to Goodison Park and act as a natural successor to the perpetually injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Last season the 25-year-old only managed 17 Premier League appearances in a season ravaged by various injuries, however during the 2020/21 season, he proved to everyone that he could be Everton’s main man when fit.

He scored 16 goals in 33 league appearances under Carlo Ancelotti but has struggled to find regular football to kick on from this campaign.

Although Neal Maupay was brought in this summer, Simms fits the profile of their main marksman much better and would act as a direct replacement should he continue to be sidelined.

The Athletic’s Everton correspondent Paddy Boyland labelled the youngster “quick” and an “excellent finisher”, and he holds high hopes for his future at the Merseyside club.

With Frank Lampard willing to trust youth when they earn the right, as proven with his various successes at Chelsea (Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham), Simms has a clear pathway to be the natural successor to Calvert-Lewin.