Who is Josh Sims? The Southampton teenager looks destined for the top after stunning Premier League debut
Winger bursts onto the scene against Koeman's side... And the England youth international just loves upsetting the Dutch
JOSH SIMS grabbed the headlines as the Southampton teenager burst onto the scene against Everton.
It took the 19-year-old just 43 seconds to mark his senior debut with an assist.
The ball was swung into the area towards the young winger, who lifted the ball towards the head of Charlie Austin to notch the only goal of the game.
Just last Monday the ace was lining up for the club's Under-23s... Six days later and he is the talk of St Mary's.
Sims said: "I just turned and hit it, luckily Charlie was there to score, I’m delighted for me and the team.
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"I found out just before kick-off, as soon as I saw I was starting the lads gave me tips to tell me to do what I do best.
"It was a mix of nervousness and excitement – but it’s better to be nervous because I was concentrating more. I’m really happy.
"It’s everything you wish for on debut as a kid, I came through the academy so playing in front of the fans is a dream."
Former Saints and current Everton boss Ronald Koeman should have been wary when he saw the youngster’s name on the teamsheet.
There’s something Sims relishes when facing a side with a Dutch connection.
Back in February 2014 he scored and grabbed an assist when making his debut for England Under-17s against Holland.
And later that summer he was part of the Young Lions squad that defeated the same nation in the final of the U17s European Championship.
The Dutch connection continued for Sims the following season when he marked his England U18s bow with another strike against Holland.
JOSH SIMS FACTFILE
Club: Southampton
Position: Winger
Appearances: One app, one assist
Birthplace: Yeovil
DOB: March 28, 1997
International: England U17s (Six apps, one goal), U18s (Seven apps, one goal)
Contract until: June 2018
Judging by this display, Sims looks destined to be the next player to make the transition from Saints academy to first-team.
His confidence was epitomised during the second half as he dropped a shoulder to leave one Everton man for dead. He then put the ball on one side of Ashley Williams and skip around the Wales captain on the other.
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He tormented the Toffees all afternoon and tested their goalkeeper twice with a header and a long-range drive.
And despite his relatively small stature, veteran left-back Leighton Baines knows full well he was involved in game. He will be nursing a bruise or two after being on the wrong end of an over-enthusiastic challenge from the Yeovil-born starlet.
The youngster received a standing ovation when he was replaced on 84 minutes, and his manager was equally impressed.
Claude Puel said: “It’s a fantastic game for Josh, he played with a total freedom, he had a very good game and its interesting for his first Premier League game and we shall see for the future.
“It is interesting to find answers with all these injuries particularly with all these games to play, it is important to develop young players.