Neal Maupay stunned by Everton team-mate in pre-season training

Neal Maupay believes the fitness of Everton’s oldest team-mate is “crazy” after watching him in action at Finch Farm.

The forward returned to the Everton squad for the start of pre-season on Monday after spending last campaign on loan at Brentford.

The first week saw him connect with old friends – and get to know new ones better.

READ MORE: Huge progress made on ‘world-class’ feature of new Everton stadium

READ MORE: Everton transfer target flies to Turkey amid battle for his signature

Among those he was most impressed with is Ashley Young, who turned 39 on Tuesday. Maupay spent pre-season with the veteran last year after Young moved from Aston Villa weeks before the deal that brought the striker to Brentford on transfer deadline day.

But despite having seen him in action before, the 27-year-old praised Young, telling talkSPORT: “Young is flying. I actually did some physical tests on Monday and Tuesday and he always comes out on top. It was his birthday on Tuesday, turning 39 – he’s crazy. And still flying. It is amazing. He’s a top professional and a top guy.”

The departure of goalkeeper Andy Lonergan this summer has left Young as the oldest player in Sean Dyche’s squad. The Premier League and Serie A winner has extended his stay on Merseyside by signing a 12-month deal ahead of the club’s return to training.