Ashley Young's long career is starting a new chapter with the England international signing for Everton. 

The 38-year-old spent the last two seasons at Aston Villa and became a free agent this summer. 

As Young prepares for a new campaign with the Toffees, we take a look at what the veteran can bring to Sean Dyche's team. 

Forever Young

Though he has now entered the twilight years of his career, Young has remained able to perform at a remarkably high level. 

When he left Manchester United in 2020, he was signed by Inter Milan and helped them win the Serie A title the following year, operating as a wing-back under Antonio Conte. 

And in 2021, he returned to Villa, having represented the Birmingham club before his move to the Red Devils. 

Over two seasons at Villa Park he made 57 appearances, of which 36 were starts. 

The key to his longevity has been a change in his position.

A winger for the first portion of his career, he switched to full-back in his latter seasons at United and has flourished in the deeper role.

Able to operate within a back four and at wing-back, Young's versatility and fitness have seen him remain a top-flight footballer for an unusually prolonged period. 

Everton move

There has been some ridicule of the Toffees' move for Young.

But while signing an out-of-contract 38-year-old may not have been the arrival Evertonians were waiting for, it remains a shrewd decision. 

Seamus Coleman is set to miss the start of the season through injury, leaving the Toffees short at full-back.

And with Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko still adapting to life in the Premier League, they could benefit from Young's experience. 

As a former winger, his crossing ability also looks set to be a useful tool for Dyche. 

Everton may need to make more signings to avoid another difficult season, but Young's one-year deal certainly solves some problems.

Dyche factor

Dyche captained Young when he was a teenager at Watford and his latest Goodison Park recruit has revealed that the manager played a major part in this deal.

Young said: "The manager was important in me signing. I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none.

"I know things haven’t gone too well for Everton in the past couple of seasons but the manager’s ambition, speaking to him and hearing what he wants to do to change the club around, was a key factor in my decision."

The 39-cap England international also said that the size of the club appealed to him.

He said: "It’s a massive club and the fanbase is one of the best.

"Having them behind me is a fantastic opportunity. I'm delighted to get the opportunity to be here and I just want to get started now."