Everton Under-23s centre-back Reece Welch’s impressive form has been recognised with a nomination for December’s Premier League 2 Player of the Month prize.

The England Under-20 international delivered a series of classy displays as David Unsworth’s team recorded three successive clean sheets during the month.

The young Blues followed up a 2-0 win over Arsenal with a 1-0 Premier League Cup success at Peterborough United. Everton then rounded off the calendar year with a hard-fought goalless draw against Leeds United.

An athletic and composed defender, Welch joined Everton aged seven has made steady progress throughout his time at the Academy.

He has regularly been capped by England at age group level and won his first call-up for the Under-20s team in November 2021. 

The shortlist was selected by the Premier League's Football Development Panel after Premier League 2 club coaches nominated the best performance by an opponent in each of their league matches in the month. The Panel will also decide the winner.