Few would argue that Everton’s stunted attacking output has inhibited Frank Lampard’s Toffees so far this season, with the club in dire need of recruitments up-front in the January transfer window.
However, in addition to any new signings we may see arrive at Goodison Park next month, 21-year-old Ellis Simms could offer Lampard a potential option, should there be an option for his loan deal at Sunderland to be cut short.
The Stadium of Light has been an ideal place for the young forward to continue his development and has found the net 5 times in 13 outings so far for the Black Cats, but with Everton’s limited options in attack, surely the youngster could be given a chance at Goodison Park sooner rather than later.
Some could argue that Simms may not be ready for Premier League football, but the Oldham-born striker has scored goals at every level of his academy development so far and has already had successful spells on loan in 2021 at League One Blackpool, scoring 8 league goals in 21 games, and earlier this year at Scottish side Hearts, where Simms scored 5 goals in 17 SPL appearances.
Meanwhile, Everton’s overall tally for the season so far is 11 goals in 15 games, the joint-second worst total in the Premier League. Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to be troubled with injuries and has seen his progress stall as the Blues’ main man up-front. Neal Maupay has scored just once since his summer move from Brighton, and it is clear Salomon Rondon is not going to provide anything close to competition for the shirt, so where does that leave Everton?
Tom Cannon has recently impressed for the Under-21s and seems likely to get a chance in the first team in the second half of the campaign, but recalling Simms from his loan spell in the North-East could be also be an option for Frank Lampard’s Everton.