Williams hails youngster Lookman as Everton’s ‘wild card’

Youngster Ademola Lookman is a hidden weapon for Everton, according to veteran defender Ashley Williams.

The 19-year-old was snapped up for £11 million from League One Charlton Athletic in January, and made an instant impact by scoring within minutes of his debut, bagging the Toffees’ fourth goal in a 4-0 demolition of Manchester City.

The teenager was playing non-league football with Waterloo FC just three years ago, before signing with Charlton and rising through the youth ranks to their first team.

He scored 12 times in 49 appearances for the Addicks before making his move to the Premier League.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

And Wales skipper Williams, 32, believes Lookman’s relatively low profile can work to Everton’s advantage, as defenders do not know what to expect from the young forward.

“Ademola has really good potential but he is also ready to play in the first team already,” said Williams.

“He has a lot to learn, everyone does at that age, but he has made an impact already and given us something different that we didn’t have.

“He is a bit of a wild card. Teams don’t know him so well.

“He is a nice lad as well and has got his head down, worked hard every day and is listening.”