Updated 11:43am 19 May 2013

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Jack Rodwell celebrates

Jack Rodwell

Jack Rodwell is a product of the Everton youth system, and broke into the first team at the age of just 16. Jack became the youngest ever player to represent Everton in Europe when he came on against AZ Alkmaar in December 2007. Rodwell's potential has long been known inside the walls of Goodison Park. He was playing for the Under 19 side at the age of just 14 and he was playing for Everton's reserve side just one year later. He has also represented England at every age level and was part of the England U21 side that lost to Germany in the 2009 U21 European Championships. After signing his first professional contract with Everton in March 2007, Rodwell has played predominantly in a central midfield role, displaying both an excellent tactical awareness as well as a sublime range of passing ability. However, David Moyes has suggested that Rodwell may end up playing as an elegant footballing centre half, in the Rio Ferdinand mold, later on in his career. Jack has recently shunned speculation linking him with a big money move to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, by signing a five year contract with Everton which runs until 2014.