For the rest of December, we’ll be profiling 20 of the most promising Scottish talents who we believe will have defining 2020’s. Next on our list is Everton striker Fraser Hornby.
The forward is currently out on loan in Belgium with KV Kortrijk, where he has featured on nine occasions in league action, scoring three times, Everton have sent him there for his first taste of senior football.
Hornby’s out in Belgium. (Photo by JOHN THYS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
With his development continuing out in Belgium, a crucial year waits for Hornby in 2020.
Long touted as a star
A towering striker, the Toffee’s man is often referred to as an aerial targetman. Whilst he is very good in the air, there’s more to him than just headers and physical battles.
Good qualities on the ball with a clinical touch on form, Hornby has traits to become the perfect modern striker. His record at U18 youth level is formidable, scoring almost a goal every game on average.
Hornby is more than headers. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Even at Scotland U21s level he’s prolific. Six strikes have been hit since his 2018 debut, making 13 appearances. There’s building blocks to progress in the senior game and Scotland U21s boss Scott Gemmill sensed that in 2018.
He told the Scotsman: “I think Fraser would be keen to stress he is not just a battering ram, that he is not just about heading the ball – even though he’s very good at it.
“In defence of Fraser he is a very good technical player with more to offer than solely that and will be very keen to show that. At the same time he does realise the importance of that and how effective he can be. It is a balance.”
Stake a claim
In 2020 Hornby will have plenty for senior football under his belt. He’s already featured many times over in Belgium and will continue to do so up until May.
Experience is building. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
Upon his return to Merseyside he’ll have to make telling strides to senior Toffees action. Time’s on his side given that he’s only 20 and will turn 21 in 2020, but a poor year won’t do him any good.
The best thing he can do is get games over in Belgium. Hornby’s experience will build and hopefully he’ll return to Goodison in a mood to impress. There may be a new manager in place too after Marco Silva’s sacking.
Even if there isn’t a new man brought in, it means that Duncan Ferguson will more than likely be Everton’s boss. This just happens to be Hornby’s former youth manager, so whatever the case, it’s a clean slate for him at senior Everton level.
Roll up and shine. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
He’ll have to prove his worth in 2020 to get a chance to show that though.