Go for it Gerrard – Why Rangers must make a move for this 18-year-old Everton prodigy

As per reports from Liverpool Echo, Scottish giants Rangers are interested in making a move for highly-rated Everton youngster Alex Denny this summer.  

The 18-year-old enjoyed a solid 2017/18 season and was reportedly expecting a new and improved contract but negotiations with the Toffees have reached an impasse. New Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is closely monitoring the situation, looking to capitalise on it and land the talented midfielder.

Denny, born in Macclesfield in the year 2000, had a short stint at the Manchester City academy before moving to Everton at the age of 11. From there on, he rose rapidly through the ranks within the Merseysiders’ youth setup. The midfielder was a part of the Everton youth team that won the Dallas Cup back in 2016, after which he was promoted to the U18 side.

In the 2016/17 campaign, Denny went on to make 21 appearances for the Toffees’ U18 side. During that time, he managed to find the back of the net on one occasion and laid on two more goals for his teammates. He featured 13 times for the U18s in the recently concluded 2017/18 season, scoring and assisting a goal apiece.

In December last year, Denny got his big breakthrough when he broke into the Everton senior team and made his debut in a UEFA Europa League contest against Apollon Limassol.

Following that, the 18-year-old became a regular member of the Toffees’ U23 side for the rest of the term, taking the field 9 times in the Premier League 2, assisting one goal in the process.

Having made his debut roughly two years back, the midfielder has turned out 10 times for the England U17 side and he was also a part of the team that made it to the finals of the U17 European Championship in 2017.

Earlier in March this year, Denny was bumped up to the Three Lions’ U18 side, for whom he has featured five times till date. 

A defensive midfielder by trade, Denny has also been used as a centre-back during his youth career. Standing at 6ft1in, the 18-year-old is strong and can hold himself against physical opponents while possessing endless reserves of energy.  

 

Often the driving force in the team from the middle of the park, the teenage midfielder adds bite and purpose with his presence and can chip in with the occasional goals as well.  

While it is too early to say how his career will take shape, the early signs are quite promising. Denny has shown tremendous potential so far and seems to have the qualities that, if nurtured, could make him a star in the future. And playing under someone like Gerrard would benefit his growth and development to a great extent. Go for it Rangers!