The Liverpool Echo reporter Phil Kirkbride has recently discussed Everton’s French youngster Niels Nkounkou.
In early July, the Toffees secured the services of the 19-year-old left-back on a free transfer from Ligue 1 outfit Olympique de Marseille (per Everton).
Since his arrival, Nkounkou has made one senior appearance for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, which came during the recent 3-0 victory against Salford City in the Carabao Cup (per Transfermarkt).
For his role in the win against the League Two club, the French youngster was awarded an impressive 8/10 performance rating by the Liverpool Echo.
So, in the episode of Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast prior to the Toffees’ 5-2 victory against West Bromwich Albion, Kirkbride discussed Nkounkou.
He said: “Niels Nkounkou [made his] Everton debut, I think it was his debut in senior football as well, [he] played very well, 19 [years of age].
“The feeling was, initially from the football club: ‘Look, we’re not going to put too [many] expectations on this lad, he’s new to the country, new to the league, new to the way we play.’
“But there is a growing feeling that actually, he’s progressed so much, that the idea of having to go into the market to try and find a replacement for Leighton Baines for a season has probably lessened.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he seemed to suggest that the Toffees are starting to believe that Nkounkou will be a suitable back-up left-back this season.
Do Everton need to sign a left-back in the current transfer window?
No, it's not needed
Yes, we need another
Following Baines’ retirement, Lucas Digne is the only out-and-out left-back in the first-team squad aside from Nkounkou (per Transfermarkt).
However, 30-year-old Fabian Delph is also capable of playing in the left-back position and perhaps between the Englishman and Nkounkou, Ancelotti may be able to cope without further depth on the left side of defence.
Certainly, if the Frenchman’s 8/10 performance rating in the Carabao Cup is anything to go off, then the club’s growing trust in him is seemingly deserved.