Leon Osman is one of Everton’s most successful youth products, having progressed through the ranks to play more than 400 senior matches for the Blues.

In an interview with evertontv, Osman explains how his grounding at the Club’s Academy was key in readying him for the “unique” demands of an Everton player, as he pays tribute to the influential coaching of Toffees legend Colin Harvey.

WATCH LEON OSMAN’S EVERTONTV INTERVIEW ABOVE OR HERE 

“As young players, we listened to everything he said with a keen ear because he’d been there and done it as a player and a coach,” Osman explains.

“Colin encouraged us to fight for everything in training. And to have that desire to become young men. If there were any disagreements in training, he’d encourage us to sort them out ourselves.  

“The direction he gave us to make every moment count was so important.

“As well gaining a football education at the Academy, I developed as a character as well.”

Osman also reflects being part of Everton’s 1998 FA Youth Cup-winning team in our interview, which you can watch above or here.