Under-23s Ace Talks Inspirations, Initiation Songs And Facing 'Unbelievable' Gomes

Learn more about Everton Under-23s and Wales youth international defender Ryan Astley as he answers a mixed bag of questions below...

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Favourite film?
Definitely The Inbetweeners. The first one was my favourite – it still makes me laugh out loud every time I watch it. Jay’s my favourite character, he’s hilarious.

Best mate at Everton?
I’ve got to say Rhys Hughes. I’ve grown up with him all the way through the Academy. We’re both Welsh, of course, and we actually used to live together in digs. He’s a really funny lad, too. We get on really well.

Favourite city?
London. I enjoy the culture there. There’s just so much to do and I don’t think you could ever get bored. There are lots of nice restaurants, too.


Favourite sportsperson?
Tyson Fury. What’s he’s done in is incredible. And how he’s came back from tough times to be the best is inspirational.

Best moment of your career?
Winning the Premier League 2 and Premier League Cup double with Everton in 2018/19. The night we won the league stands out, as we’d worked so hard all season for it. That was really special.

Best player you’ve faced?
In training, it would be Andre Gomes. I came up against him in pre-season. He was unbelievable. It’s so hard to get the ball off him. You couldn’t near it, his body was always in the way. And his passing was quality, he always finds the spare man.


Who knows you best?
My mum. Even if I try to tell her a little white lie, she’ll figure me out!

Initiation song?
I went with Love Yourself by Justin Beiber – both when I had to do one with Everton and Wales. I can’t sing at all, though!

Who would win an Everton Under-23s Royal Rumble?
I’d say Harry Tyrer. He’s just a beast! He would take some stopping.

Best banter in the squad?
Joe Anderson. He makes me laugh every day! I always have to check my shoulders to see if he’s up to anything!


Teammate with an annoying habit?
Einar [Iversen] is always arguing! He can never be wrong about anything!

Best thing about being at Everton?
I just love playing for this club and for a great manager in Unsy [David Unsworth]. I feel like I’m improving under him. He makes training fun but he’s also serious about helping us be the best we can be and winning matches.