JACK RODWELL already holds an Everton appearance record, has scored a goal in a crucial FA Cup tie and has drawn comparisons with England star Rio Ferdinand.
But Everton Academy officials are quick to dismiss the notion that the youngster has ‘made it.’
The teenage powerhouse became the youngest footballer to ever represent Everton in European football when he figured in Alkmaar against AZ in December 2007.
He steadily built on the bright impression he made that evening and has figured regularly in the Premier League this season.
Everton Academy director Ray Hall admits he spotted Rodwell’s immense potential immediately, but also added guarded words of warning.
“The first time I saw him play for England I thought ‘I have seen three players who could play in the Premier League’. Jack was one of them,” said Hall.
“He was selected for England under-16s and he captained England in the Victory Shield.”
But Hall continued: “I’m not sure what ‘making it’ means. If making it means playing for the first team he’s already done that. If it means playing 100 games or more then great.
“He’s raw in terms of his understanding and that’s something the coaches will work on.
“What he has to do now is work hard because our club is moving forward all the time and the standards are always getting higher.”
If there’s one thing Everton supporters love more than anything else, it’s seeing one of their own pushing up through the ranks to the first team.
Although few would have predicted that after making his reserve team debut at the age of 15, Rodwell would be playing a European fixture with the first team little more than a year later.
A pleasant surprise it may have been for most, but when asked if Ray himself was taken aback by Rodwell’s debut at such a tender age, the reply was instant.
“No, because physically Jack can handle it.
“The other 16-year-olds who made their debuts here – Francis Jeffers, Jose Baxter, Wayne Rooney and now Jack, all made their debuts at that age because they could handle it.
“But we must never forget that Jack is still a very young boy.
“He’s played at every junior level for England. It’s a testament to the coaches we have here.
