Why Everton should try and hold on to the talented Jonjoe Kenny
According to Michael Ball (h/t Liverpool Echo), Jonjoe Kenny faces a huge challenge at Everton regarding game time. The defender has been on the fringes of the team and has hardly received any games other than the occasional one.
The Englishman has featured a total of 46 times for Everton, assisting thrice. At the international level, Kenny has won the U20 World Cup with England in 2017 and was also a part of the U17 squad which won the European Championship in 2014.
Everton should try to keep Kenny and offer him more minutes
At the moment, only two right-backs are available at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal. Club captain Seamus Coleman was a regular member of the squad. However, Djibril Sidibe took his place last season when on loan at Goodison Park. He was excellent for the Toffees in the league.
But Everton missed the chance to sign him on a permanent basis after the World Cup winner returned to Monaco once his loan spell came to an end last summer. And they have just two right-backs, including Kenny. Thus, keeping hold of the former England U21 international would be a wise decision by the club.
The youngster was in sensational form last season with the Bundesliga side and could come in handy for Everton this season if he is able to replicate the same form. Moreover, Coleman is already 32 and is reaching the twilight of his career. Kenny could be seen as a replacement for the Irish international.
Kenny seems to have developed a lot and his presence could also help the Toffees maintain their depth at the back. A right-back by nature, he is also capable of operating as a centre-back. He could be a useful member of the squad which isn’t blessed with deep cover in central defence.
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With Coleman ageing and the team having limited options at the back, selling Kenny might not be a wise move. The 23-year-old is capable of doing well and his presence could provide them with some much-needed depth in various positions. Thus, they should manage to hold onto Kenny for as a long as possible and get the best out of him.
