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As Marcel Brands made abundantly clear at Everton's recent General Meeting, there's a lot of work on his plate at the minute.

Not least because we're in the middle of a January transfer window, which still could see some movement in the first team as we enter the final week.

But, with the club's current crop of U23s as well, there are a few interesting decisions that maybe could be made.

Some such as Antony Evans and Beni Baningime could be seeking loan moves in the final few days of the month.

Others, like Lewis Gibson, could be in the middle of contract negotiations to extend their stay with Everton.

Another player who may fall into the latter bracket as things stand is Nathangelo Markelo and, against league leaders Chelsea in difficult conditions at Southport on Friday evening, he gave Blues chiefs a timely reminder of just what he can offer.

Last summer, the youngster opened up on his conversations with Brands – including a desire from the director of football to keep Markelo at the club rather than send him on loan.

He told VoetbalInternational: “We have a chat every now and then. He is a friendly guy and I can always ask him for advice when we have a cup of coffee.

“He knows exactly what is going on in the club and what players are available. Some clubs would like to have me on loan but Mr Brands insisted that was not a good idea yet.”

Instead, the decision was made to keep him with David Unsworth's U23s, for whom Markelo played a big role in winning the double in 2018/19.

However, this season, a different challenge has presented itself.

Markelo's contract with Everton technically runs out in the coming summer, although there is an option for that to be extended for another year.

So the big question facing Brands is whether he should take up that opportunity or not.

Going by Friday's evidence, it's a bit of a no-brainer.

(Image: Emma Simpson - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images)

Playing in the centre of a flat 4-5-1 when Premier League Two leaders Chelsea visited Haig Avenue, Markelo dominated for large periods of the game.

The Dutchman is usually considered more defensive in his style and he certainly lived up to that acclaim.

The 21-year-old was relentless in closing down the visitors at every opportunity, throwing himself into challenges and proving to be a brilliant cover for the back four in the first half in particular.

Not only that, but his pace and power allowed the Blues to break from deep on multiple occasions and led to a couple of efforts on goal – despite a pitch that was almost entirely covered in sand.

The midfielder first showed his threat inside the opening minutes of the game, dragging at a shot which eventually was comfortable enough for Karlo Ziger in goal to collect.

Markelo again broke forward later in the half to hit a dangerous shot which was deflected wide for a corner – which Everton eventually scored from after the midfielder saw a third effort cleared off the line.

When Chelsea fought back to take the lead in the second half the Blues had to rally, and again Markelo was pivotal.

His energy levels never dropped in the middle, no doubt helped along by the encouraging shouts of Unsworth which almost constantly echoed from the sidelines.

(Image: Clive Howes - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

The manager will have been pleased with the 21-year-old's display, but what about the on-looking Brands?

The director of football has a decision to make not just on a new contract for Markelo, but perhaps also the possibility of a loan move as well – despite not allowing one in the summer.

As the midfielder made clear to Voetbal International once more in October, he believes he is ready for senior football.

The 21-year-old said: "Of course I hope I can make minutes at Everton 1 (the first-team).

"If not, I will look further into the Netherlands or another country. I’m ready for men’s football. Is the Eredivisie is an option? Yes, certainly."

A chance in the Everton first team does not look imminent, despite an impressive performance for the U23s on Friday night.

Central midfield is an area Everton have struggled with in terms of injuries recently, but those problems seem to be on the verge of improving.

Brands will be fully aware of that and will no doubt have had his eye closely on Markelo against the Premier League Two leaders.

Is he first team ready? Maybe somewhere, but not yet at Everton.

That leaves the director of football with yet another interesting conundrum in the coming weeks and months.