Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has explicitly stated that he would not give a chance to young left-back Niels Nkounkou after indicating his preference for a more experienced player.
A back four of Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey – all of whom are natural centre-backs – proved to be a successful quartet as they shut out Chelsea in a 1-0 win last Saturday. After keeping a clean sheet, there appears to be little impetus for Ancelotti to make drastic changes to his defensive setup, save for the purposes of rest and rotation.
Summer signing Nkounkou looked set to deputise for his injured compatriot Lucas Digne at left-back but has failed to start under Ancelotti other than in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United six weeks ago.
Ancelotti denied speculation that Nkounkou was out of favour for disciplinary reasons, insisting it was a question of experience as he told the Liverpool Echo:
No, no. Absolutely not. [Excluding Nkounkou] is a tactical decision. Unfortunately, I think he did well and is doing well.
To be in the squad, to be in the team he needs more experience. For him, it is the first year at a top level as a professional, he has to improve, he is improving.
Ancelotti also commended the 20-year-old’s attitude, saying: “There’s no doubt about his professionalism. He is really focused in training, he’s going to play but in this moment I prefer more experienced players.”
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Ancelotti’s comments could serve as much cause for frustration for the former Marseille defender, although it may be a question of faith for the youngster.
The short-term denial of opportunity may wither away if an injury crisis emerged or Godfrey fails to maintain a good level of performance at left-back.
Equally, Ancelotti’s comments could be a worry for 16-year-old Thierry Small, who was recently drafted into the first team squad as a matter of emergency.
If Nkounkou is ‘inexperienced’ and not to be trusted, expect Small to find himself facing the same predicament.
