OPINION
Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny may not be first choice for boss Marco Silva this season, but his importance must not be underestimated at this moment in time.
With left-back Lucas Digne picking up a red card against Huddersfield last week and Leighton Baines most likely to be absent due to injury, Kenny needs to step up to the plate when his team need him most.
He is arguably not the most consistent player the Toffees have on their books but that will all need to change for their next clash against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Silva has no other options to play at left-back, and even though the 21-year-old’s preferred role is at right-back, he will need to adapt quickly after having a taster on Saturday against Wolves.
If he can show that he is able to deputise in the role sufficiently, then he could well become one of the club’s new heroes in a time of madness at Goodison Park.
The players are getting blasted left, right and centre, so it is now up to them to prove people wrong – after all, Newcastle were able to get one over City when they faced them.
The fringe ace – who has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season – is more than capable of stepping up a gear and preventing further problems for Silva.
Silva will no doubt be worried if Baines is not passed fit, but he will certainly be counting his lucky stars that he has a player who is more than able to provide cover.
Yes, he may not be at the same level as Digne or Baines, but at the moment, Silva needs all the help he can get to ease his woes.
Over to you, Kenny.