When Daniel Jebbison made his full Premier League debut against Everton earlier this month, he had a point to make.
Now at Sheffield United, the 17-year-old was trying to prove the opposition’s talent spotters wrong. The teenager once had a trial at Goodison Park and he reportedly left scouts impressed, but they were ultimately undecided on whether they should sign him.
Jebbison eventually went to the Blades and is now making a real name for himself, scoring in the recent clash with Everton. In finding the back of the net, he became the youngest player in Premier League history to score on his first start at that level.
Paul Heckingbottom’s team may already be relegated but Jebbison has been a real bright spark, a player to savour from an otherwise abject campaign for Sheffield United.
Now firmly under the microscope of top-flight analysts, the striker has been linked with a bigger move elsewhere. Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all keeping an eye on his progression.
Ironically, Everton also now have an interest in the youngster.
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Having previously rejected him, they clearly think they’ve made a mistake on the promising forward. It’s hardly a surprise after his display at Goodison a few days ago, either.
Speaking after Jebbison netted the winner in a 1-0 victory for the Blades, Heckingbottom said: “Jebbo has deserved his time on the pitch. We’ve not scored goals this season. It has been something which has been hard to come by for the team.
“He knows his role in the team and what we want from him, so from that point it was an easy decision – and he’s been scoring goals all season and doesn’t have the same baggage.”
Indeed, the sprightly youngster has racked up seven strikes in nine games across all age categories for the Yorkshire side this term. If Everton can prise him away from Bramall Lane, they may well have the new Dominic Calvert-Lewin on their hands.
The England international has had a marvellous season in Merseyside, scoring 21 goals in all competitions.
However, like Jebbison, he started his career in the youth ranks at Sheffield United. Comparisons extend beyond that, though, with the duo playing in a similar way.
Standing at 1.9m (6 foot 3), the teenager is an inch taller than Calvert-Lewin, but he has used the 24-year-old as a guidance point for his career.
Speaking about the Everton forward, Jebbison commented: "He's obviously a good one. I watch his movement, I've studied off of him. He's a very good player."
It could take a lot for the Toffees to convince him to move to Merseyside over the likes of Bayern and Chelsea but, in Calvert-Lewin, they have proof of a progression and pathway for young attacking players.