Late Thursday afternoon, the Echo published a piece praising Joe Williams for making an impression quite quickly on Everton manager Marco Silva.
The 21-year-old talent spent 2017/18 out on loan with Barnsley in the Championship and he made 34 appearances for them as he experienced the second tier in this country. He also scored his debut professional goal, with another four appearances coming in the domestic cup competitions.
He impressed so much that Barnsley reportedly tried to secure his future in the January window with a £1million offer, but we rejected it flat out knowing his potential.
The outlet’s coverage goes on to quote Oakwell teammate Ryan Hedges on his impressions of the player.
Such was his early impression on our new gaffer, he was scheduled to join the first team in Austria whilst our Under 23 lads headed to Spain, but he’s picked up a minor thigh injury so has stayed at Finch Farm this week.
The young lad has received even higher praise since that report was published as former striker Kevin Campbell has weighed in with his thoughts.
I’ve said it for over a year now – THIS PLAYER IS QUALITY and needs a real chance! Give Joe Williams that opportunity and you’ll save yourself a fortune in the transfer market! ⚽️???????????????????? https://t.co/x5phqvAFKO
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) July 12, 2018
Campbell’s tweet hit a note in the fanbase and it appears plenty agree that big things can be expected from him shortly.
He's a good player, could definitely in and around first team squad this season.
— EvertonViking (@EvertonViking) July 12, 2018
Exactly John.
Joe was ready to move up to the first team for a long time ago Had his chance only to get a bad injury at the last minute. Tom Davis got given the chance to step up instead and the rest is history. he’s had to wait patiently for his chance to come again— Paul Johno Efc (@pauljohno1878) July 12, 2018
Young players need a winning team in order to thrive, I think we learnt that lesson last season when some went backwards dramatically. We need to be careful not to repeat those mistakes again.
— Tortured Toffee (@torturedtoffee) July 12, 2018
Totally agree super kev fantastic on the ball should be given a chance done brilliant at Barnsley also give dowell a go????
— Richard Taylor (@richteverton) July 12, 2018
@everton listen to the man. He knows
— Tony Mckie (@tonymckie82) July 12, 2018
Very good player. I think he could step up no problem
— jack williams (@jackowills22) July 12, 2018