Everton boss Rafa Benitez says he's eager to count on local talent.
Benitez reserved praise for Tom Davies following the home-reared midfielder's sustained effort while managing a thigh problem in last month's League Cup win at Huddersfield Town.
And the “passion and commitment" of Club-raised talent, coupled with the demands of Financial Fair Play, says Benitez, makes those players more valuable than ever.
“It is crucial for every single club, now and in the future, to have players coming from the academy," Benitez told evertontv.
“It is not for the first-team manager to bring players, they [players] have to be sure they are ready, they have to knock on your door and say, 'Listen, I am ready'.
“The Premier League is very competitive and the level of the players is very high.
“That means it is more difficult for young players to come through.
“But our job is to improve them in the academy and give them the chance to play for the First Team, if they are ready.
“It is massive for the Club to have players coming from the Academy, especially with the prices in the market now.
“But, also, because of the commitment of those players, the passion they have, the connection with the fans and the community."
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