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Carlo Ancelotti’s Merseyside mission could be more challenging than it first appeared – opinion

Carlo Ancelotti outlined his long-term plans at Goodison Park after arriving at the club following Marco Silva’s sacking, which focused on improving the current squad through the use of youth team players. That is in stark contrast to the previous mantra they have had under the Farhad Moshiri ownership. During the chairman’s time in charge, the club has spent around £450m on transfers and recently recorded record losses as the chasm between the Toffees and Merseyside rivals Liverpool continues to grow. However, the primary flaw in the Italian manager’s plan is that Everton are currently serving a youth transfer ban.

Just over a year ago, the blue half of Merseyside were fined an enormous £500,000 and banned from signing any player between the age of 10-18 who had been registered to another Premier League or EFL club in the past 18 months. While the effects of that ban may not currently be evident on the pitch with players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin banging in the goals, shortly, it may become increasingly apparent.

Currently, there is a steady stream of academy graduates present in the Everton first-team squad. Alongside Calvert-Lewin, Mason Holgate and Tom Davies have all racked up Premier League appearances this season. But not one academy graduate has been handed their Premier League debut this season, as the talent coming from within the club appears to be drying out. While the sentiment from Ancelotti is appropriate, especially considering the recent financial results, he cannot be expected to fulfil the task of firing Everton up the table with youth if the quality of player coming through the Finch Farm academy is not up to par.

Meanwhile, Liverpool, who suffered a similar ban but with the second year suspended, have been quietly acquiring several of the hottest prospects around who they believe have a future with Premier League leaders. Players such as Harvey Elliot and Sepp van den Berg have been brought in for modest fees and steadily introduced to the first team while collecting U23 appearances.

The progression of Jurgen Klopp’s side behind the scenes highlights Everton’s stagnation during their ban. Currently, Ancelotti may have three youth prospects at his disposal, but there is a gap in the production line coming which may flummox his plans of relying on youth for the future.

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