‘He needs a run of games’ – Exclusive: Campbell delivers Nkounkou verdict
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell would like to see more of Niels Nkounkou in an Everton shirt now that Lucas Digne has been ruled out of action for two months.
Digne damaged the ligaments in his ankle before last week’s game against Leeds but Nkounkou wasn’t selected to replace him against the Whites or for Saturday’s game against Burnley.
Campbell believes that the French defender has ‘good traits’ and would like to see him given a chance in the Premier League.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “I’d like to see him play a lot more, I think he’s good. He needs a run of games and now is an opportunity to give him just that.
“Fingers crossed he gets a run of games because I like him, he’s got good traits. He’s quick, he’s direct and I’d just like to see him in the Premier League.
“I want to see if he can get that left-hand side working with some of those crosses because [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin needs them.”
The 20-year-old only has one Premier League appearance to his name following his arrival at Goodison Park over the summer.
Nkounkou started in the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in early November but he was substituted off in the second half and hasn’t even made the bench since.
As far as we know, Nkounkou isn’t injured so Ancelotti must have another reason for not including him in the matchday squads.
Tom Davies started in place of Digne in last week’s loss to Leeds which has to be worrying for the left-back as a central midfielder was picked ahead of him in his favoured position.
Fabian Delph started at left-back against Burnley and he picked up a hamstring injury in the first half which could mean Ancelotti has no choice but to play Nkounkou when Everton take on Chelsea next week.
In other Everton news, here are our match ratings from Saturday’s draw against Burnley.