In the latest instalment of our Next Gen series, Joe Thomas takes look at the development of the player who starred for Everton in their first pre-season friendly of the summer

Katia Kouyate burst into the consciousness of Everton fans as he broke the deadlock in the club’s first friendly of pre-season.

The teenager collected Alex Iwobi’s pass, took a touch and rifled in an emphatic finish to give Everton the lead against Stade Nyonnais in Switzerland on Friday night. It was a wonderful moment for the youngster, whose acrobatic celebration showcased his joy.

The strike was a personal milestone for Kouyate, who continued to impress into the final minutes as his pace and skill caused problems for rival defenders.

It was a breakthrough intervention in a game in which other academy starlets were also eager to perform under the watchful gaze of Sean Dyche. While it is important not to read too much into one cameo – certainly not in pre-season – this is how Kouyate’s development with Everton has gone so far.

Born in Manchester, Kouyate joined the Blues at the age of eight and has risen through the ranks at Finch Farm. Despite his youth, the 19-year-old is experienced at the most senior level of youth football having burst into the Under-23s during the 2020/21 campaign. Injury hampered that season and the following year yielded few opportunities as the pacey attacker played just three matches at Premier League Two level – though he picked up two assists from that involvement.

Last season was his most comprehensive as he started by signing a new two-year deal in September before going on to play 25 times for U21s manager Paul Tait. The winger, who is eligible to play for England and Ivory Coast, scored twice and provided two assists last season. His goals came in an away draw at Chelsea and a home draw with Fulham. He did get the chance to train with the senior squad under Frank Lampard but was not in the group of youngsters who had the opportunity to travel to Australia for the Sydney Super Cup in November.

His chance to catch Dyche’s eye came with his call up to the 28-man squad that travelled to the Alps. And he did just that with his stunning goal. Hoping to build on the moment across pre-season, Kouyate was clear in his belief the goal represented a significant step forward.

He said: “It’s a massive moment for me and my family. It feels like all the years of hard work – my mum taking me to training week after week and things like that… It feels like a bit of a reward for all of that and hopefully I’ve made her proud. It’s been a good feeling to be out here and have the opportunity. I had a good season last season, particularly towards the end, and I stayed injury-free throughout it. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to impress this week and I’ve just tried to take it all in, take each day as it comes and I knew I had to take this chance.”