Scout Report – David Brooks
Everton are set to continue their summer of spending, as they gear up to make a bid for Sheffield United youngster David Brooks, as per reports from The Telegraph.
The report claims that the 19-year old was close to a move to Chesterfield on loan, but with Everton’s interest peaking, Sheffield United have blocked that move, to see how things pan out on this front. Having made his debut for the Blades in August last year, Brooks went on to make 4 first team appearances over the course of the 2016/17 season, in which he managed 2 assists.
His performance for the England U-20 side in the recently concluded Toulon Tournament is said to be the main reason behind Everton’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder.
With the Toffees set to make an offer for the youngster, let’s take a closer look at who exactly David Brooks is and why are Everton so interested in him.
Footballing Background
Born on 8 July 1997 in Warrington, England, Brooks joined the Manchester City academy as a 7-year-old in 2004. Having spent ten years with the Citizens’ academy, the youngster moved to the Sheffield United academy in 2014. Impressed with his talent, the Blades offered him his first professional contract in March 2015.
At the beginning of the 2015-16 season, he spent two months away on loan with National League side Halifax Town, for whom he scored once from five games. Having spent the rest of the season with the Sheffield United reserves, he was given his big break in the senior team by manager Chris Wilder at the beginning of the 2016-17 season, in a 0-0 draw (4-5 loss on penalties) against Leicester City U-23 side in the EFL Trophy. He made two more appearances in the competition and also played a game in the FA Cup for the Blades, but did not make his League One debut, which his team won to earn promotion to the EFL Championship.
In May earlier this year, Brooks was called up for the Wales U-20 squad for the 2017 Toulon Tournament, but he withdrew from the Welsh team, only to be called up for the same competition by the England U-20 side. England went on to win the tournament, with Brooks scoring in the finals against Ivory Coast and also being named the Best Player of the Tournament.
Style of Play
Primarily a central attacking midfielder by trade, Brooks has been mostly used in a wide right role by the Blades so far in the senior team and for the U23’s as well.
Technically strong, with an eye for a goal and a great attitude along with work-rate off the ball, Brooks has impressed to a certain degree, but could not break into Chris Wilder’s setup in the league, spending most of his time on the benches last season.
What Does The Future Hold?
Brooks did not have that great a debut season for the Blades, but his impressive showings in the Toulon Tournament for the England U-20 side may be the reason why Everton are taking a look at him. The Toffees have had good success in bringing young players from lower leagues, with the likes of John Stones and Mason Holgate having been successful, but it remains to be seen if the 19-year old Brooks is of that quality.