LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
EVERTON loanee Stanley Mills wants to make his own name for himself and his football career during his spell with Oxford United.
The son of former Leeds United and England right back Danny Mills, the 19-year-old was one of few bright points as Liam Manning’s side began the season with a defeat.
The U’s fell to a 2-0 loss at Cambridge United on the opening day of the Sky Bet League One campaign, and failed to pose a sustained threat in the final third, managing just three attempts on target.
Mills though, who came on as a substitute for Tyler Goodrham just after the hour mark, injected some creativity into the attack by putting crosses into the box and seeing a header saved at point-blank range by former United stopper Jack Stevens.
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The teenager’s dad was a tough-tackling defender, however Mills had no ambition in becoming a full back himself, instead wanting to be their scourge.
He said: “I want to be my own person and make my own name for myself.
“He’s done well and I’d love to follow what he’s done, but I want to make my own name.
“He’ll be there every game, home and away, he’ll definitely be there.
“I’ve always liked scoring goals and getting assists so I’ve always wanted to be an attacking player.”
“I feel like I can score with both feet. That’s a big strength of mine, going both ways and being unpredictable for full backs.
“I’m predominantly on the right but I’m happy to do either.
“I back myself on both feet so I can go both ways and be unpredictable.”
Mills revealed he was close to leaving Everton on loan for the first time in January, and explained why he chose the U’s over other clubs this summer, saying: “There were a couple but Oxford gave me the best presentation and they’re going to be the best for my development.
“It’s different to Under-21s football, it means something.
“Fighting for a win and it means more to people and the fans, it means something to them, so to be able to try and play for three points every week is going to be good.”
At Goodison Park, he worked under both Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche who both instilled in him the value of hard graft.
“With both of them, it’s the basics that you’ve got to work hard if you’re going to play,” said Mills.
“You’ve got to work for the team and I think that’s the same with most places, so I think that’s the main thing.”
