Everton are currently bursting at the seams when it comes to talented young players. The likes of Kieran Dowell, Jonjoe Kenny and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all in the first-team picture. Others have had to be sent out on loan in order to get regular first-team football.

One such player is the central midfielder Joe Williams. After impressing during a loan spell at Barnsley last season he was swiftly targeted by Championship clubs this term. After getting over an injury he was eventually snapped up by Bolton Wanderers, who have enjoyed a surprisingly good start to the campaign.

“What a debut. I thought he was immense. He’s a great all-round midfield player. “He’s confident and he’s good on the ball. We pursued him the whole summer and he was my number one target in midfield. We had to be patient because he got injured, and then we had to compete against other clubs to get him, but he’s a very good signing for us.” – Bolton boss Phil Parkinson discusses Joe Williams’ debut

Williams made his Trotters debut this weekend. The 20-year-old featured in a 2-2 draw with Preston North End. It was a performance that left his manager Phil Parkinson ecstatic, telling the Bolton News that the young midfielder was ‘immense’ in the fixture.

Such praise highlights the talent the midfield operator has. Everton are certainly aware of that fact. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the Toffees insisted on a recall clause on the deal, suggesting they see him as close to first-team football.

If Williams can continue to put in performances like this, then Everton will surely have to start wondering if the youngster should be among the first-team set-up at Goodison Park from next season.