Fired-Up Broadhead Eager To Sustain Goalscoring Form

Nathan Broadhead is eager to continue his blistering pre-season form when Everton Under-23s host Morecambe at USM Finch Farm on Saturday (3pm), as he revealed how his loan spell at Burton Albion in 2019/20 helped him mature as a footballer.

Wales Under-21 international Broadhead has scored six goals in two friendly matches for David Unsworth's young Blues this summer.

He netted five times in a 7-1 victory over Runcorn Town before hitting the winner in a 1-0 success over Chorley on Tuesday night.

The talented forward made 22 appearances and scored three goals for League One Burton last term, before sustaining a hamstring injury in February. The COVID-19 outbreak then dashed his hopes of featuring before the end of the campaign.

Broadhead, then, is relishing the opportunity to showcase his talents after a lengthy hiatus and – ahead of the Under-23s’ meeting with League Two side Morecambe – he outlined the importance of the Blues’ emerging talents testing themselves against senior opposition.

“For all young players, it’s important to get a taste of playing against men,” he told evertonfc.com.

“They are strong and fight for every ball. It’s a physical and mental battle.

“For me, I just want to score more goals and create more chances for my teammates.

“It’s so good to be back into the swing of things because I’ve been out for seven months without playing competitive football.

“I’m feeling fresh and feeling good.”

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02:14 Mon 24 Aug 2020

HIGHLIGHTS: UNDER-23S 7-1 RUNCORN TOWN

Broadhead hits FIVE in pre-season victory at USM Finch Farm.


Broadhead joined Burton following an outstanding 2018/19 campaign for Everton Under-23s.

He won the young Blues’ Player of the Season award as they claimed an unprecedented Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup double.

The 22-year-old says playing regularly for Burton has helped him develop several facets of his game and return to Everton a more robust, well-rounded player.

“It was a good loan for me,” he said.

“The main difference [between Under-23s and League One football] is it’s more like a war.

“There were lots of fans there, points at stake, people playing for their livelihoods and to put food on the table. It’s a real fight.

“I learned the importance of looking after the ball more, getting my body in the right positions.

“I also learned about how to look after my body. I had a few injuries and was playing through them, when maybe I shouldn’t have. I could have said, ‘I can’t play today’, but I wanted to play. Mentally, that was my attitude.

“But, overall, it was a very good experience. Now, I feel this is a big season for me.”

Broadhead explained how the values instilled by Everton Under-23s boss Unsworth were key in making a successful transition to performing at senior level.

“I’ve been with Unsy since I was about 17,” he said.

“It prepared me for going on loan.

“He helped give me the mentality that – when it gets tough – to keep going, keep your head down, work hard and stay positive.

“I’ve learned that from him and he has helped me a lot.”

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02:04 Sun 16 Aug 2020

BEST EVERTON UNDER-23S GOALS OF 2019/20

Spectacular efforts from Gordon, Simms, Adeniran and more.