Is Nathan Broadhead any good? Everton Podcast gives honest views on man linked to Sunderland

RR: Nathan Broadhead then. What’s he like?

The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast: He’s had a little first-team experience, with many of us getting a decent look at him during the pre-season, especially on our trip to Florida. He’s got a decent goal-scoring record at U23 level and was certainly an exciting talent as he came through the younger age groups. He’s played in a variety of positions growing up, as a striker, left winger and number 10. He was especially lively when he came on in Florida, eager to impress, with his pace and energy obvious.

RR: It hasn’t escaped my notice that he’s 23 year old - that seems quite old for a player still knocking round the U23s squad of a top Premier League club. Why do you think he’s still at Everton?

The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast: I think the club has seriously high hopes for him. We have been guilty of keeping younger talent for too long and not getting them experience on loan. Hopefully, Broadhead doesn’t fall into that category. He had a loan spell at Burton in 19/20, but nothing since. Obviously, the pandemic won’t have helped things, but certainly we feel he needed to go out on loan again, and that the club need to make a decision on his future on a permanent basis. He signed a new deal in the summer, however, I feel that was just to ensure we can make money on any potential sale.

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RR: He made his debut in Europe back in 2017, and was involved in a goal. What did people make of his announcement on the big stage at the time?

The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast: When he got the nod to play that European game, it was alongside loads of other youngsters as well. Allardyce had just taken over and basically sent the kids to play with a few experienced heads. He didn’t even travel himself. Broadhead got ten mins at the end of the game, so wasn’t really a match to analyse as far as he was concerned. When you see that many youngsters play a part, you always hope you get a few gems that come through.

RR: I noticed that he played a bit last season, towards the end, and has played a handful of times for the first team in pre-season. How did he do?

The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast: He managed to get in against Brighton last season. Not for long, but a big moment for him. I think the combination of teams naming bigger benches - and the injury issues we had at times - helped him to get some Premier League experience, even when watching from the bench. It’s much better to judge his recent pre-season performances, when he equipped himself really well. Was happy to run with the ball, trusting his ability. His pace and good feet are an obvious asset. He worked really hard, in difficult conditions as well. He’s a grafter, which I’m sure your fans will love.

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RR: What would you say his best attributes are as a forward?

The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast: His stand out attributes are definitely his turn of pace, decent feet and willingness to work. He could have scored in pre-season, and it would have been totally deserved. He’s got what a takes to do a good job in League One. He’s certainly a player who is well equipped for that league. Experience is key. Playing for Burton will have helped and being around some of the quality we have at the club in the striking department will have only aided him in his development. I’ve got a feeling he’ll bag a fair few.

RR: And what would you like to see him improve on at Sunderland?

The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast: I think his overall development as a professional. It sounds a bit daft, but he’s got the talent and all the attributes to make it at a decent level, but experience and exposure to league football is vital to any player. Playing in the u23’s every week isn’t enough. I’d love him to become a 1 goal in 2 striker, in league football. Good scoring record last season, but I’m sure he can take it to the next level.

RR: Overall, do you think this will be a good move for all three parties - Nathan, Sunderland and Everton?

The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast: I think it’s a great move for the lad. It’s something he certainly needs and will certainly aid his development. Sunderland are getting someone at the right age, with the right attributes, who will be eager to show what he can do at that level. For us, I feel with him signing a new two-year deal, we are keen to let him show what he can do in league football, in the hope we get a fee for him. Maybe the club have done him a disservice in not getting him a couple more loan deals from an earlier age to give him a better chance of making it with us. Either way, this is a great move and we wish him nothing but the best of luck.