Lost for £0, now a "throwback" to Bryan Robson: Everton had a howler on "proper" 28y/o - opinion

John Lundstram was sent on-loan six different times by Everton, from a period spanning between February 2013 to April 2015 – when he was still just a “talented teenager” tipped with “the technique to become a Premier League footballer.”

However, after stagnating in his final loan spells at Leyton Orient and then at Scunthorpe United, he was released and signed by League Two side Oxford United, who quickly realised his potential and gave him not just a starting role, but also the captain’s armband in his second season – aged just 22.

His development caught the eye of Championship side Sheffield United, and there he made 120 appearances, including 62 in the Premier League, scoring five and assisting five during his two seasons in the top flight.

After letting his contract expire at Bramall Lane, Scottish side Rangers snapped him up on a free, and despite not making the best start under Steven Gerrard, new boss Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has revived his career on the north side of the border and turned him into a key player.

His recent performances have led to former Blades boss Chris Wilder drawing comparisons between him and the legendary Bryan Robson, saying: “There would have been many admirers down here trying to get him back. But he’s been patient, he’s back in the team and both John and Rangers are getting the rewards now.

“He could have played as a No.6 for us at Sheffield United as well but he was probably more of an eight, a box-to-box guy. He has great energy to get up and down the pitch.

“He can play in a two or a three in midfield and he’s old-school. He’s like a throwback to [Bryan] Robson.

“He can pass it, he can head it, he can tackle and he can get in the box to score. He can do everything.

“But we seem to