Hobson is hope for Everton Women’s future even in defeat

Issy Hobson spoke of her connection to the Everton fanbase as the girlhood Blue delivered another impressive person despite Everton Women falling to defeat to Manchester United in the Women’s League Cup.

The teen operated in a full back role against Marc Skinner’s side, who claimed victory at Walton Hall Park thanks to a Courtney Brosnan own goal and a Maya Le Tissier volley, and was arguably the Blues standout performer, delivering yet another display that defied her tender years.

The Academy star was joined by fellow graduates Ruby Deaville and Emily Cole, both of whom made their competitive debuts at Walton Hall Park, underlying Brian Sorensen’s commitment to blooding homegrown talent.

The defeat leaves Everton in second place in Group A, with their final group game coming against Merseyside rivals Liverpool next month.

Sorensen has always prioritised the league over other competitions, but the League Cup has been a chance for the club’s youth to earn minutes against some of the game’s best players, and Hobson was grateful to her boss for the opportunity, even if it was in a new position.

“I knew it was going to be a challenge coming into it, I’ve never played that position before,” she said.

“Obviously, I’m playing against a world-class team but I felt that, as a team, everyone was surrounding me and communicating.

“Brian sat down with me and made sure I knew the position I was playing and I enjoyed it.

“I’m just honoured to be trusted to be put out on the pitch and try and put in a performance against them and I’m happy to play anywhere as long as I just get minutes.

Being a fan myself, I know what gets them going and makes them feel involved. I want to give them something to cheer about, and when they do it makes me want to go again and this is part of being an Evertonian.

“You just want to fly into everything and show them [the opposition], scare them, so they don’t come near you again.”

Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images

The upcoming international break gives Everton’s large injury list some time to recover, although there are a number of personnel that will need longer than two weeks to get back on the grass and help the Blues kickstart what has been a difficult season so far.

And while homegrown talent like Hobson and fellow Academy star Megan Finnigan shows that the future is bright, the present situation is not quite as positive.

With just one league win in eight games, the Toffees have are the WSL’s second-lowest scorers with three goals and travel to the home of the division’s poorest defence in their next game when they take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 8 December.

It cannot be ignored that Everton have been unlucky with injuries, including two ACL injuries to Aurora Galli and Inma Gabarro, while experienced stars such as Elise Stenevik and Karen Holmgaard have struggled for fitness.

Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

But with strikers not scoring (only Katja Snoeijs has found the net in the league via the penalty spot) and a -10 goal difference, Everton’s established stars need to find their stride, and quickly.

Currently ninth in the table, Everton fans deserve something to smile about other than Academy stars performing above expected levels.

Now in his third season at the helm, Sorensen clearly has the backing of his side, who are working hard to implement the Dane’s vision of how he wants his side to play.

However, is a vision of a preferred style ultimately sacrificing points and drawing the Blues into a dangerous game of relegation roulette?

Sorensen supporters will point to a small squad and bad luck, but the Everton manager has to get the best from what he has.

Is he currently doing so?

What are your thoughts on Brian Sorensen’s managerial performance so far? Let us know in the comments section.