Record Breaker

Jose become an Everton record breaker for the second time in a week, when he become the youngest player in Everton history to start a competitive first team game. In the starting line up against West Brom yesterday aged just 16 years and 198 days a week after becoming the youngest player to make an appearance for Everton in a senior competitive game as a sub in the opening day defeat to Blackburn Rovers. (24/08/08)

Youngest Ever Everton Player

Jose and Jack Rodwell made their Premiership debuts for Everton against Blackburn on Saturday. Jose came on as a second half sub against Blackburn to become the youngest player to have ever played for Everton at the age of 16 years and 191 days. This beats James Vaughan's record by 80 days.

Moyesy says: “They both did fine, we were really pleased. Jose came on and nearly made a name for himself. But these boys need time to develop. Sometimes though, being in the first team is the best place to do it. It was huge pressure on him to come on, but Everton need something at the moment. They need something to cheer and support, and at the moment that good news is the likes of Rodwell and Baxter. Like we’ve done before, we won’t throw them in the spotlight too much, we will protect them.

We will do all we can to pick the right moments to play them. I’m not sure that today was the right moment, but nevertheless they’re getting in there and showing that they can do it and hopefully that will help for their future development. It’s a lot to ask for a 16-year-old to come off the bench and change the games, but we’ve had it before with 16-year-olds that have done very well and Jose nearly did it.” (20/08/08)

Wonder Goal

Jose scored a great individual goal for Everton in the friendly against Nottingham Forest, but the senior players like Jags will keep his feet on the ground.

Jags says: “He's a smashing lad. He's a really, really confident lad but you can't get that confused with arrogance. He works hard, he'll put tackles in and he's always looking to talk to you and see what's happening. He's not one of them who thinks he's a Maradona. He's happy to roll his sleeves up and work hard for the team. It's nice to see it in such a young lad - that he's been hyped up a bit but he's still grounded.” (12/08/08)