Ahead of Sunday's clash with Premier League 2 champions Chelsea, Everton Under-23s defender Ryan Astley reveals why he "loves the challenge" of competing against the best, how manager David Unsworth is an ideal mentor, and his goals for the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign.
Sunday's game (1pm GMT) will streamed live on evertonfc.com exclusively for Season Ticket and Official Members*. Season Ticket and Official Members will be able to log on to evertonfc.com on Sunday using their usual username and password and watch the game via our video player.
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Just over two-and-a-half-years ago, a 16-year-old Ryan Astley made his Everton Under-23s debut.
The centre-back was handed his bow for David Unsworth’s side on a big stage, too, at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
On a typically bitingly cold north-east afternoon, the Blues were beaten 2-1 – but the young Welshman’s display earned glowing praise from his manager.
“Ryan showed character, attitude, ability and bravery – he was the best player on the pitch,” Unsworth commented.
Now 19, Astley explains the mentality that underpinned such a performance.
“I remember I was really nervous on the bus before the game,” says Astley. “Like, really nervous!
“But once I went onto the pitch, I felt ready and confident. I remember feeling like I played well.
“My attitude is to give it my all every game. As long as I do that, I know I can come off the pitch feeling Iike I tried everything.
“And I trust in what I can do.”
Astley has gone on to establish himself in the Everton Under-23s side and was part of the squad that won an unprecedented Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup double in 2018/19.
He has started every game for the young Blues this season and will aim to help Everton topple high-flying Chelsea at Southport FC on Sunday (1pm).
“These are the games you look forward to,” says Astley, an engaging interviewee who speaks with enthusiasm and confidence.
“If you can’t look forward to the biggest matches against the best sides, then I don’t know how you could enjoy football.
“I love these types of challenges. I can’t wait.”
Astley has recently been buoyed by a first call-up to Wales’ Under-21 squad and featured in a European Championship qualifier in Belgium last month.
While his team were beaten by a prodigiously talented Belgium outfit, Astley outlined how making that step represented a significant milestone in his development.
He says his progress owes much to the expert guidance of Blues boss Unsworth.
“I’ve been with Wales Under-19s, so to move up to the Under-21s for the first time, I was absolutely buzzing,” he says.
“I was playing with new lads I’d never met before. It was great to meet them, interact and make new friends.
“The training is obviously a lot tougher when you go up a level. I learned a lot.
“Having Unsy as my manager at Everton really helped me, though. We train hard every day at Everton, it’s intense, so I felt comfortable making that step up at international level.
“Unsy’s been a massive part of my development.
“He’s taught me the basics of how to defend the goal. He’s also helped me improve my game with and without the ball.
“He’s made me a more mature defender.”
Everton head into Sunday’s clash with Chelsea on the back of an agonising last-minute defeat at Manchester United.
Astley declared the squad’s desire to respond in positive fashion and believes the Toffees can kickstart a strong series of results.
“We’ve been playing well, and we’re not low on confidence,” he explains.
“We’ll go there and give everything and we’ve got the belief we can take three points against a strong team.”
Astley added: “We’re confident we can have a very good season.
“Personally, I want to maintain the centre-back place.
“I’d also like to score a few goals. I’ve only scored one for the Under-23s so far.
“I want to nail my spot down, keep progressing and help the team move forward.”
Sunday's game (1pm GMT) will streamed live on evertonfc.com exclusively for Season Ticket and Official Members*. Season Ticket and Official Members will be able to log on to evertonfc.com on Sunday using their usual username and password and watch the game via our video player.
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