Thierry Small exclusive: An Everton record breaker with a big future | OneFootball

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Phil Costa·4 March 2021

Thierry Small exclusive: An Everton record breaker with a big future

Article image:Thierry Small exclusive: An Everton record breaker with a big future

In August 2004, Wayne Rooney became the most expensive teenager in football history after leaving his boyhood club Everton for Manchester United.

That same month, Thierry Small was born.


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The 16-year-old has recently bested Jose Baxter’s famed record to become Everton’s youngest ever player.

But between birth and the substitution board relaying No51, Small has already experienced more than most.

Article image:Thierry Small exclusive: An Everton record breaker with a big future

Like most young footballers, the Solihull-born defender was introduced to the game at Sunday league level before his talents were noticed by scouts on their local rounds.

“I was playing for my local team when Aston Villa approached me and offered me to train,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with OneFootball.

“But after having my trial they didn’t take me on, they said I wasn’t good enough technically. So West Brom came in for me – who instead looked to utilise my pace and strength.

“They felt they could teach me the technical side later on. Soon after West Brom came in, Villa wanted me back and Birmingham City too, but I’d already committed.”


And after impressing for the Baggies, he was signed by Everton aged 11. According to The Athletic, they tracked Small for two years before green-lighting the deal.

“Of course, it was a very hard decision for me and my family [to leave home at such a young age].

“But we thought you only get one chance at this – it was an opportunity we couldn’t turn down.

“There was great schooling on offer, a great chance to improve myself as a footballer and Everton are known for their academy and developing players.”

But such change does not arrive without challenges, especially for a child whose extent of being away from home probably involved staying over at a friends’ house.

I had to go to school, go to football, wake up early, finish late at training, it was almost like a job

“But I was still enjoying it and I was absolutely ready for that sacrifice.

“There were hard days and difficult moments, I had to deal with those myself. But it helped me to mature and grow as a person – probably a lot quicker than most others.”


That strong sense of ambition was clear when talking to the Everton defender, however, his humbleness and acknowledgement of those around him also shone through.

“My family have played a huge role in my success. They keep me grounded, keep me level-headed, but I’m well aware it’s been difficult for everyone.

“I’ve obviously lost a big support network in my parents but also for them, they lose their child in a way. Their lives have totally changed because of my situation.

People used to ask my mum ‘don’t you think it’s a bit early for Thierry to leave home?’ and that got to her.

“It’s normal to doubt yourself, to think if you made the right decision.

“But that’s why I’m so grateful to her for giving me the opportunity.”

Article image:Thierry Small exclusive: An Everton record breaker with a big future

Small’s father, Harvir, was quick to praise his mentality.

“In terms of the pressure, Thierry seems to thrive on it. Bigger stakes seem to bring the best out of him. He’s not shy at all and those situations really do not faze him.”

And his mother, Simone, referenced his hard-working nature, even if this came at a cost.

“He stays behind after training and even when he comes home – we’re out there kicking a ball around. Even inside the house which can get really annoying, a couple of picture frames have seen better days.”


Those sacrifices have been vindicated thus far with Small already knocking on the first-team door at Everton, having impressed at Under-18 and Premier League 2 level.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti brought the teenager into senior training earlier this season after injuries to Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman and spoke glowingly of his talent.

“Thierry did well,” the Italian relayed in a press conference. “He has quality, physicality to play with the first-team.

He is one of our best players in the academy. I was pleased to bring him to train with us.

Then on January 24, 2021, the teenager made Toffees’ history after becoming their youngest ever player at 16 years and 176 days old, beating the previous record by 15 days.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. I was training with the first team two days prior and thinking, even being here training with these players – I was so grateful.

“And then the gaffer told me that I was going to be involved in the squad and I was absolutely speechless.

“He asked me ‘are you ready?’ and before he could even finish, I was like ‘yes! absolutely I’m ready’. I was completely overwhelmed that someone of his calibre was giving me an opportunity.”

Article image:Thierry Small exclusive: An Everton record breaker with a big future

“I was so nervous on the bench though. One minute I’d be really excited and be desperate to get on the pitch and the next, I had butterflies in my stomach.

“But when Dunc [Duncan Ferguson] told me to warm up and said ‘you’re coming on’ – I was absolutely buzzing. Ancelotti even called me over and said ‘you’ve still got time to score a goal’ which would’ve been a special moment.

“You know anything can happen in a game. But I’m immensely grateful to the boss because it’s a day I’ll never forget.”


He spent just five minutes on the pitch against Sheffield Wednesday but you feel this was just the start.

Most teenagers are still behind physically to feature at the top level, but Small is broad shouldered with searing pace, and already looks every bit the archetypal modern full-back.

“I actually started off as a central midfielder. I played in midfield for four years with West Brom, it was only at Everton where I moved to left back.

“But now I’m fast and aggressive, a very modern full-back. I like to show some flair as well with bits of skill going forward.

“Even defensively, I absolutely hate getting beat. I refuse to let that happen – I don’t care who you are! That mentality is needed up against other good players.”

Article image:Thierry Small exclusive: An Everton record breaker with a big future

Premier League rules prevent players signing professional terms until their 17th birthday, from which the left back is still five months away.

But there is little sign of that playing on his mind. His immediate focus remains on Everton even with links to Bayern Munich and Arsenal surfacing.

“My main goal is to obviously keep working hard on the pitch, at training, and making sure my application is right across all levels.

“I want to keep myself professional and the rest will take care of itself – I’m not thinking about my professional contract for now.

“I just want to keep performing well for Everton.”


He may be Small in name but his talent and ambitions remain anything but.