Stanley Mills joined Everton as a 14-year-old after previously being on the books at fellow Premier League side, Leeds United. Since signing for the club in 2018, he has risen through the academy system on Merseyside really quickly, now having cemented his place in the u23 squad at the age of 18.
The Englishman made his debut for the u23’s in a 5-0 win over Southampton on the last day of the Premier League 2 season, grabbing himself a well-taken goal in the process.
Mills had a successful campaign last season, grabbing himself 3 goals and 4 assists from midfield in Premier League 2, whilst also being called up for training or even placed in the first-team squad for matches.
His good form in this season obviously caught the eye of new manager, Frank Lampard, with the England legend deciding to take the teenager on his team’s pre-season tour in America, featuring in the toffee’s games against Arsenal and Minnesota United, as well as making appearances against Blackpool and Dynamo Kyiv in the blue’s final two friendlies ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The teenager obviously impressed Lampard during his time with the first team, being named on the bench for his side’s opening Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Goodison Park and shortly after being offered a new 3-year deal at the club, extending his stay on Merseyside until at least 2025.
He would go on to make his debut for the first team under Frank Lampard in the blue’s 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town in the 2nd round of the League Cup, coming on in the 76th minute, replacing goalscorer, Demarai Gray.
The 18-year-old also boasts a very sporting family, his father being former Leeds United, Manchester United and England defender, Danny Mills and his brother being a British indoor athletics champion at 1500m. [via Everton.com]
Whilst he is still in the fledgeling stage of his career, he is already showing signs of his future potential. Manager, Frank Lampard has built a reputation as a manager who is able to put his faith in young players, developing the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Reece James whilst in charge at Chelsea, all of whom have become full England internationals and integral parts of Chelsea’s Champions League winning squad.
Mills still has a lot of work to do to break into the first team at EFC, but when he does, it seems as if the sky is the limit for the Englishman.