---
title: "Carlo Ancelotti Faces Selection Dilemma – and Niels Nkounkou is Needed"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/ancelotti-everton-formation-system-niels-nkounkou-left-back/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2020-12-01T08:00:01Z"
modified: "2020-12-01T08:00:01Z"
---

# Carlo Ancelotti Faces Selection Dilemma – and Niels Nkounkou is Needed

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti faces something of a selection dilemma after the disappointing [1-0 defeat](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55025785) to Leeds United on Saturday.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were able to get the better of the Toffees after a late goal from Raphinha clinched all three points for the Whites in what was a bitterly disappointing result for Ancelotti’s side.

However, one glaring issue was the use of the 3-4-3 system featuring a fluid back five which flowed around the role of makeshift wing-backs. Indeed, the decision to go for Tom Davies as the left-sided option whilst shifting Iwobi to the right – the opposite flank to where he [thrived against Fulham](https://www.goal.com/en/news/examining-alex-iwobis-wing-back-performance-against-fulham/1tby3roj8m7l91bvklx28mx1ep) – was a curious one.

Indeed, Davies was hauled off for the experienced Fabian Delph after Leeds’ [‘free-flowing football’](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55025785) unpicked the natural midfielder as part of the wider system. That is why [Niels Nkounkou](https://readeverton.com/2020/11/27/everton-lucas-digne-replacements-nkounkou-delph-small/) simply must come into the side, either as a left-back in a back four or playing in a more advanced wing-back role.

On Saturday, Ancelotti’s side face a struggling Burnley outfit who are noted for their defensively solid 4-4-2 and exhibited those traits in last week’s [1-0 win](https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/2020/november/report-burnley-crystal-palace-23-november-2020/) over Crystal Palace, in which an eighth-minute lead was superbly defended throughout.

### READ EVERTON VERDICT

It may well be that a reversion to a 4-3-3 for Everton, or even adopting a 4-4-2, is the tactical tweak which could blast the game wide open, with a greater emphasis of top-heavy approach and greater fluidity on the ball. The existing system worked wonders against Fulham, but it is not a one-size-fits-all panacea to Everton’s existing woes.

Nkounkou, whilst [relatively inexperienced](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-team-news-lineup-burnley-19369220) having featured just [once in the Premier League](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/niels-nkounkou/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/591193/verein/29) in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, is the primary natural left-sided defender who can truly exhibit what he is capable of on that flank. He may have a lot to learn, but he is waiting patiently for his opportunity – and now could be the perfect time for him to get it.