Everton manager Frank Lampard will have to make a big decision at right-back between Jonjoe Kenny and Nathan Patterson in their upcoming FA Cup tie.
Lampard’s side aren’t in the best of form when it comes to their recent games in the Premier League, which has meant that there is a real and inherent danger that they will end up dropping into the Championship.
They are preparing to take on National League side Boreham Wood in the fifth round of the FA Cup in a game that not only will give the Toffees a chance to rest players for the Premier League, but also pick up a win that might give them something of a morale boost after their recent run.
One position that poses an interesting question is right-back, where the game will serve as an opportunity to rest captain and incumbent starter Seamus Coleman. Here, we look at the two main candidates for the role in the form of Patterson and Kenny.
Nathan Patterson
20-year-old Patterson moved to the club this January from Rangers, but is yet to make an appearance for the Everton senior side.
His stats at Rangers didn’t paint the most flattering picture, as he ranked outside the top 10 for tackles, interceptions and clearances per game among the Gers side, whilst ranking joint-sixth for blocks (via WhoScored), although that is tempered by the fact he wasn’t much of a regular in the side before he left.
It might also explain why he hasn’t made an appearance for Everton this season, as the jump up to the Premier League might be seen as too much for him.
Jonjoe Kenny
Will Everton get relegated this season?
Yes
No
Kenny has had a bit of an odd time this year, as whilst he has made 11 appearances, he has been bumped around the team from right-back to left-back to the right wing, which has shown his versatility in case he is needed elsewhere.
During that time, he’s been able to average 1.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 2 clearances per game (via WhoScored) and should arguably be given the role against Boreham Wood to try and offer a stronger presence to avoid a potential banana skin.
TIF Verdict on Nathan Patterson and Jonjoe Kenny…
Whilst Kenny might have Patterson beat in terms of statistics ahead of the tie, in the end, the key is experience, and that is what Lampard should be looking to give the Scot as soon as possible. The club spent a lot of money on bringing him to the club, with a figure of £16m being reported.
And whilst National League opposition awaits, the sooner Lampard can get the 20-year-old acclimatised to his system at Goodison Park, the better.
This game offers him the perfect opportunity to take his first steps into the Lampard system and hopefully the chance to impress and lay down a claim to be the starting right-back moving forward as Coleman moves towards the end of his contract in 2023.
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