Everton Under-18s attacker Jacob Beaumont-Clark believes the young Blues have a squad that can compete at the pinnacle of the league table this season, despite a slow start to the new campaign.
Leighton Baines' side produced an impressive showing last term, ending the season unbeaten in their final five matches en route to securing a top-four finish.
The opening three games of this 2023/24 season ended in defeats against Newcastle United, Wolves and Middlesborough, however, Beaumont-Clark has started and impressed in all three, notably netting the Blues' second in their 3-2 defeat to Wolves.
Looking ahead, the 17-year-old is confident there's too much quality in the squad not to build on last season's promising foundations.
"As a team, we want to try and build on our top-four finish from last season," outlined Beaumont-Clarke when speaking to evertonfc.com. "We want to try and break into the top two, I think with the squad we have got this season, that is achievable."
Beaumont-Clark is best known for being a skilful winger who likes to operate on the right flank and cut in on his favoured left foot. He made 22 league appearances last season, scoring six goals and registering four assists, and he explained he's hoping to add to that return this year.
"My aim is to try and get as many goals and assists for the team as I can," he said. "I want to try and finish as the top or near the top in both those departments at the team."
The Manchester-born teenager joined the Club at the age of 11 after being released by boyhood club Manchester United. He has excelled through the age groups at Everton and said he now has high ambitions of one day running out for the Men's Senior side.
"It’s been really good at Everton, I came here from United after being released and I have loved it every second since," he explained. "My aim is definitely to keep trying to impress and earn more opportunities with the Under-21s.
"Then when I get those chances, it's about translating what I am doing with the Under-18s and showcasing it for the Under-21s. Hopefully, that then leads to chances with the Senior Team.
"I’d love the chance to get to train with them. It would be a good experience."
He added: "Ultimately, I want to be a professional footballer with Everton. My main goal is to make a name for myself in the Premier League, if not here then somewhere else. But my primary goal is to one day make it at this Club."
