Everton kid Beni Baningime has been promoted to the first team for Carabao Cup tie at Chelsea... but who is the midfielder compared to N'Golo Kante and wanted by Manchester United?

  • Everton take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Stamford Bridge
  • Beni Baningime and David Henen both trained with the first team on Tuesday
  • The pair have starred for Everton's Under 23s under caretaker David Unsworth
  • Baningime recently signed a two-year deal after Manchester United interest
  • The 19-year-old midfielder has been compared to Chelsea star N'Golo Kante

There were two unfamiliar faces on show during David Unsworth's first training session on Tuesday afternoon.

The Everton caretaker, who has moved up from his role as Under 23s boss after the sacking of Ronald Koeman, promoted two of his young players - David Henen and Beni Baningime - to the first team.

Both could be involved in Wednesday night's fourth-round Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but it is Baningime who has really caught the eye after rising through the academy.


Here, Sportsmail takes a closer look at the talented 19-year-old midfielder.

Young midfielder Beni Baningime trains with the Everton first-team on Tuesday afternoon

Young midfielder Beni Baningime trains with the Everton first-team on Tuesday afternoon

David Henen could be involved in Wednesday's fourth round Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea

David Henen could be involved in Wednesday's fourth round Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea

 

WHAT'S HIS BACKGROUND?

Baningime was born in Kinshasa, Congo, on September 9, 1998, and joined Everton's academy at the age of nine after moving to the north west of England.

He made steady progress through Everton's youth ranks, with his most notable achievement coming when he captained the Under 18s to victory in the Dallas Cup - an annual tournament featuring sides from around the world - in 2016.

Baningime signed his first professional contract in October 2016 after making the step up to Unsworth's Under 23s, penning a deal until the end of the 2017-18 season.

He became a regular fixture in the side who impressively won the Premier League 2 title last term with 15 wins, three draws and just three defeats. 

Baningime chases down Liverpool's Ovie Ejaria during a game at Goodison Park in May

Baningime chases down Liverpool's Ovie Ejaria during a game at Goodison Park in May

He scooped the big prize at the club's academy awards night in May when he was named as the winner of the Keith Tamlin award.

The gong, named after the club's vice life president, recognises the winner's excellence, attitude and application during their time in the Blues academy.

WHAT SORT OF PLAYER IS HE?

Baningime is a holding midfielder who has caught the eye with his energy and ability to get around the pitch.

Under Unsworth he has been tasked with shielding the Under 23s' back four and providing a base from which to launch attacks.

Although he's a tough tackler who loves to win the ball back, Baningime is also confident on the ball and can be relied upon to keep possession. 

Baningime, pictured with Chelsea's Isaac Christie-Davies, is a ball-winning holding midfielder

Baningime, pictured with Chelsea's Isaac Christie-Davies, is a ball-winning holding midfielder

ANY OTHER CLUBS INTERESTED?

A number of Premier League clubs have been following Baningime's progress at Everton, particularly during his last year with the Under 23s.

Manchester United showed serious interest in him, although he ended speculation about a move away at the end of the season by signing a new two-year deal earlier this month.

Speaking after putting pen to paper on his improved contract, he said: 'I am very, very happy – thrilled to sign the contract.

Baningime starred for Everton's Under 23s last season and could now get a first team chance
Baningime moves away from Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic

Baningime starred for Everton's Under 23s last season and could now get a first team chance

'I have been working so hard for this and I am just glad David Unsworth and his staff have given me this opportunity.

'My ambition is to make the first team but I will have to see what happens. That is my dream, to play in Everton's first team. It has been ever since I came here.

'My progress has been fantastic. And it is all down to the coaching staff. Everything about my game, they have helped me with it all and I am extremely grateful.'

WHAT'S BEEN SAID ABOUT HIM?

Speaking about Baningime following a fine performance in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea's Under 23s at the end of last season, Unsworth compared the midfielder's style to France star N'Golo Kante and predicted a bright future in the first team.

'Beni just gets better and better,' Unsworth told the Liverpool Echo.

'He's just of the mould of Makelele, of Kante and, honestly, I cannot pay him a big enough compliment to say he is that good I fully expect him to kick on and be that type of player in our first-team.

'He's blossomed throughout the season, he's learnt from Liam Walsh, Joe Williams and Tom Davies who have been outstanding, so we have a real depth of quality in central midfield.

'Beni has come on leaps and bounds, he is a lovely boy and I fully expect him to be in our first-team one day.'

Baningime has been compared to Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante by David Unsworth

Baningime has been compared to Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante by David Unsworth

SO, WILL HE GET A CHANCE AGAINST CHELSEA?

With Idrissa Gueye suspended after his sending off against Arsenal on Sunday, there is every chance Baningime will at least be on the bench on Wednesday night.

Morgan Schneiderlin is fit again after missing the defeat by the Gunners and he could partner youngster Tom Davies in central midfield.

However, Unsworth is clearly a fan of Baningime and he would have no hesitation when it comes to throwing him in at Stamford Bridge.

Everton caretaker Unsworth gestures during his first training session on Tuesday afternoon

Everton caretaker Unsworth gestures during his first training session on Tuesday afternoon