CONFIRMED: Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti promotes Onyango to his first-team

Football - Premier League - Everton v West Ham United - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - January 1, 2021. Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti before the match. [Photo: REUTERS/Peter Byrne]

A talented midfielder with Kenyan roots, Tyler Onyango, has been promoted to the Everton first-team by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Everton’s U23 manager David Unsworth said Onyango has great potential and will be a superstar in the future.

“He's a boy with a big opportunity and, potentially, with a big future.

“He looks the part, his gains are outstanding, he will get better and better. He's got the physique, the pace...I'm trying not to get too excited too soon but I like seeing that.

“All the best players start with us when they are 16 or 17, it's always been the case and history will tell you that and he's another one. He's come in and he's taken to the level straight away,” Unsworth told Echo.

Richard Ledezma of PSV and Tyler Onyango of Everton battle for possession in a past match. [Photo: Getty Images]

Onyango, who played in seven Premier League Two matches before the campaign was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, penned a three-year deal until the end of June 2023.

Having consistently shone for Everton’s Under-18s team, Onyango was promoted to the Blues’ Under-23s set-up during the 2019/20 campaign.

His development was further underlined by his selection in two of the young Blues’ Leasing.com Trophy games in 2019/20.

“The 17-year-old, who joined the Blues aged eight, has been rewarded for his impressive progress throughout his time at Everton Academy.

“A skilful, athletic central midfielder boasts a tireless work ethic and eye for goal,” Everton said in a statement.

Football - Premier League - Everton v West Ham United - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - January 1, 2021. West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini shoots at goal. [Photo: REUTERS/Alex Pantling]

Onyango featured in matches against Crewe Alexandra and Fleetwood Town in the competition, which saw David Unsworth’s side test themselves against senior opposition.

Onyango who was born in Luton, England to a Kenyan father Evans Onyango, has been likened to French and Arsenal legend Patrick Viera. His mother is from England.

The 17-year-old has played for England at junior levels but is eligible to feature for the Kenyan national football team Harambee Stars.

The teenager resembles former Everton and Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini for his signature ‘total eclipse of the sun’ hairdo.

Onyango joined Everton aged eight. He reads the game well and boasts impressive stamina. [Photo: Courtesy]