Unexpected Everton standout as 17-year-old ‘with a lot of potential’ shines in pre-season training

Everton are back in action with pre-season preparations taking place in a Scotland training camp.

David Moyes has whisked his players away to his homeland ahead of their opening pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday.

The Toffees have not needed to jet off for a warm-weather training camp with the sun beaming down on the Everton players north of the border.

Landing Thierno Barry will be considered just the start of the summer business, as Moyes is now demanding more Everton signings.

Whilst there is still only one new face through the door this summer, there is an opportunity for a number of players to catch the eye of the coaches.

Harrison Armstrong wants to prove his worth at Everton this summer, but it is another youngster who is receiving praise for his early showings.

Douglass Lukjanciks is impressing in Everton’s pre-season

Everton have lost numerous players this summer at the end of their contracts.

This has seen Moyes call up some of his youngsters to make up the numbers in first-team training.

Moyes is open to handing Everton’s youngsters opportunities, but he has made it clear that there is no guarantee of regular football throughout the season.

Posting on social media, the Everton Academy account shared some footage from first-team training showing goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks in action.

The 17-year-old made some impressive saves during his stint between the sticks, but what was perhaps most impressive was how quickly he was off his line.

On a number of occasions, the England U18 international could be seen racing off his line and intercepting through balls to the strikers.

Everton lost Joao Virginia and Asmir Begovic as free agents this summer and are in need of a new backup goalkeeper.

It feels unlikely that Lukjanciks could make the step up this summer, but it is encouraging to see him being recognised by the likes of Moyes.

After signing a professional deal in October, Kevin Thelwell had the following to say about the goalkeeper: “Douglass is a talented young goalkeeper with a lot of potential.”

Everton plotting summer swoop for Mark Travers

Having lost the experience of Begovic, it appears the Toffees may already have found their replacement.

Everton are eyeing Mark Travers as their new backup goalkeeper to provide Jordan Pickford with some competition for his spot.

Of course, Pickford will not be replaced, but Everton need a goalkeeper who is going to keep him on his toes.

Jamie Carragher has hailed Pickford as Everton’s best player, having helped keep the Blues afloat over recent years.

Although it may not make a difference to the starting XI, a backup goalkeeper is an essential requirement for the Toffees this summer.