OPINION
Many Everton fans will be sweating over defender Jonjoe Kenny featuring for the club in the coming weeks as Marco Silva’s verdict of the player wasn’t very convincing.
The Toffees boss stressed he had no doubts that the 5ft 9in tall right-back (Source: Transfermarkt) could fill in at left-back if needs be with Leighton Baines and Lucas Digne potential doubts for the clash with Wolves.
However he then proceeded to highlight the fact that Kenny always tries hard and gives 100% before directly stating there is a chance he won’t be able to perform well.
Silva directly avoided complimenting Kenny’s ability and while it’s great to hear he has a fabulous attitude, Silva didn’t exactly give the 21-year-old a ringing endorsement that won’t have fans sweating about him being good enough to feature.
“When I put a player like Kenny on the pitch I never have doubts about his commitment or his attitude on the pitch,” said the Toffees boss in an interview with the Liverpool Echo.
“It will always be 100%.
“Like all players he can play well or not, he can perform well or not. But about his commitment and attitude on the pitch I have no doubts because he is that kind of football player.”
Kenny hasn’t exactly knocked it out the park when he has featured in his natural position this season as at times during the six Premier League appearances he has made, he has looked out of his depth.
The 21-year-old is great emergency cover, as he clearly has potential, for the right-side of the Toffees but you have to fear he won’t be able to cope and will be exploited by teams if stuck out on the left.
Silva had a golden opportunity to put fans minds at risk over Kenny potentially featuring at left-back, but instead if you read between the lines, the manager doesn’t seem overly convinced he can excel at left-back.
Kenny may only have to play a few games, or even just at left-back, but the Toffees can’t afford to drop points and Silva has done nothing to ease fans who likely have concerns.