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Marcel Brands' presence at Everton Academy games has been labelled an "important" part of the impact he had made on the youth set-up.

The Blues' Director of Football has performed a major review of the club's production line and attends many games in order to run the rule over the emerging talent at Finch Farm.

Everton's Academy Director Joel Waldron, who was sat next to Brands at Anfield last night for the mini-derby, works closely with transfer chief and has given a glowing assessment of the impact made by the Dutchman since his arrival last summer.

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“On a personal level, I speak with Marcel daily about all things Academy, but particularly about players and the pathway,” Waldron said.

“Marcel has been very involved with the Academy since he arrived at the club, which is great for us as staff because we benefit from his obvious qualities and experience.

“Equally, he challenges us to be as good as we can be, as – like us all – he wants the best for the club, which is absolutely how it should be.

“It's important for the staff, the players and their parents to see the Director of Football around the place and very much involved in what we are trying to achieve on a daily basis.”