OPINION
Everton defender Kurt Zouma has been a rock in the centre of defence this season. There is no doubt about it – he is by far their best player in this position.
The Toffees will be aiming to redeem themselves against Chelsea this weekend, although many will point out that Zouma is unable to play because of the Blues being his parent club.
That allows Yerry Mina to come into the fold – a player who has not appeared much this season, but still has a lot to give after his arrival last summer.
Mina, 24, is likely to take Zouma’s place against Chelsea due to Phil Jagielka being injured, and this is a prospect that is going to cause him to have sweaty palms by the end of it.
The Colombian international definitely has the quality to thrive in the team on a regular basis, and if he impresses Marco Silva on Sunday and shows that he is consistent, it is possible that the manager could then have a selection headache on his hands after the international break.
Everton star Zouma – who is on £40,000-a-week [Spotrac] – has no doubt been one of the first names on the teamsheet this season, but that could be put to an end if Mina plays out of his skin in what is a very possible start for him.
He will not get many more opportunities to impress and get some minutes under his belt, so he must make the most of it. However, this will certainly be one of the first times this season where Zouma could really fear for his place in the team.
The Everton fans will not have seen too much of Mina this season, so the possibility of seeing him play is certainly exciting. If he can replicate the form that we saw at the World Cup, then he will definitely be laughing.
Either way, Zouma is going to be quaking in his boots for 90 minutes on Sunday – and possibly beyond if Mina turns a few heads.