Lampard could unearth a new £40.5m-rated "threat" in Everton's never-seen 16 y/o - opinion

Everton’s nightmare of being relegated to the Championship could be realised at the end of this season after a torrid run of form, having won just one Premier League game since 6th December and scoring just seven goals in the top flight since the start of 2022.

The lack of creativity will concern boss Frank Lampard just as much as the defensive frailties will, and with the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both being tipped for summer exits from Goodison Park among others, the opportunity for a couple of young players to make a mark in the first team could be presented by the former Chelsea manager.

This season might come a little soon for 16-year-old Emilio Lawrence, who has been a part of the U18s set-up for just over a year now, but should he continue to make significant progress, an opportunity in the first team will surely be on the horizon.

Having played for both England and Scotland at youth level, the teenager is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the country by some, having been a key player in the U18 Premier League for the Toffees this year, scoring five goals in the process, including one at the weekend during their 4-1 loss to Leeds.

In fact, Lawrence scored his first goal at this age level last season against Wolves when he was 15 – an impressive feat which was praised by coach Paul Tait after the game, with him saying: “Emilio gave us a threat.

“He can hit the ball with both feet and shifted it from right to left to score a smashing goal.”.

The winger has the “ability to manipulate the ball past defenders with ease” according to Mersey Sport Live, and also has the eye for a “defence-splitting” pass.

Combine that with the ability to play all across the frontline, and he certainly