English football loves the emergence of a wonderkid, and the latest starlet to catch the eye is 17-year-old Sheffield United forward Daniel Jebbison.
The man known as 'Jebbo' has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in the Blades' academy, earning himself a spot in the Premier League squad for the now-relegated side, and he made the most of his chance by bagging the winning goal in the 1-0 win over Everton.
Here's everything you need to know about the in-demand teenager.
1. His first Premier League goal made history
By netting just seven minutes into Sheffield United's 1-0 win over Everton, Jebbison became the youngest player ever to score on their first Premier League start.
Aged just 17 years and 309 days, Jebbison broke the record set by Everton's Danny Cadamarteri, who was 17 years and 343 days old when he netted against Barnsley in September 1997.
2. He started 2021 in the 6th tier of English football
Jebbison was named in the Chorley squad to face Chester in late December, but almost missed the chance to make his senior debut because he missed the train to the game.
Chorley boss Jamie Vermiglio recalled to The Athletic: “Jebbo was on loan with us but missed the train before his debut against Chester. It meant he had to get a taxi all the way across.
“Cost him an absolute bomb. About £180, all out of his own pocket. But the main thing is he wasn’t late. To me, that showed what the lad is all about. Some lads in his position at a Premier League academy might have just sacked it off.
“Players do turn their nose up all the time at travelling to Chorley and dropping down four or five leagues to play. But not him. That’s why he made such a good impression here, despite not being with us for very long."
4. He was born & raised in Canada
Daniel Jebbison is the youngest player to score a Premier League goal since Raheem Sterling scored for Liverpool against Reading in 2012.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 16, 2021
17 years and 309 days old. ? pic.twitter.com/KvaQ53KOAD
Born in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, Jebbison spent the majority of his early life learning his trade in Canada with the ANB Futbol youth academy.
The young forward, who also has Jamaican and English heritage, did spend some time over in England and was on the books at Derby County in 2014, only to be released.
Jebbison and his family moved to England permanently in 2016, after which he continued his quest to become a professional footballer alongside older brother Micah.
5. Sheffield United were very impressed
Now in England, Jebbison began training with local sides and teamed up with UK Football Trials to help get himself noticed, and it was at one of these trials that he was picked up by Sheffield United.
He impressed as a 14-year-old and was eventually signed up as a 15-year-old, having done enough at a Birmingham event to earn himself a contract.
"Dan played in the Youdan tournament this summer and did really well, he created a few goals and showed enough pace and athleticism for us to sign him," said Blades head of academy recruitment Ash Foyle.
“He’s good physically and tactically and he’s now here now until January the same as everybody else – a decision will be made whether to offer him a scholarship or not in December.”
6. He has studied Dominic Calvert-Lewin
As a tall forward coming out of Sheffield United's academy, comparisons are already being made between Jebbison and Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
"He's obviously a good one," Jebbison told BT Sport when asked about which players he tries to replicate. "I watch his movement, I've studied off of him. He's a very good player."
7. He's got some big suitors
As part of his search for a team in England, Jebbison was watched by scouts from across the country, including from Everton, against whom he netted his first Premier League goal.
The Toffees welcomed Jebbison into their academy but were divided on their opinion of the young forward, who was eventually let go and allowed to head to Sheffield instead.
Everton are now among the sides tracking the teenager, but they could have already had him.
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Source: 90min
