Kealan Hughes

Mon 8 February 2021 21:59, UK

Everton loaned Jonjoe Kenny to Celtic on the last day of the January window and it has not taken long for the youngster to impress.

He helped Celtic to a 4-0 win last week but he was even more impressive against Motherwell on Saturday.

If he can maintain this form he should give Carlo Ancelotti something to think about, as right-back has been a bit of a problem position this season.

Seamus Coleman is on the decline and we are yet to find a suitable replacement.

Mason Holgate has been tried out there since the beginning of the year, but has a WhoScored average rating of just 6.2 in his last four games at right-back.

He performs a lot better in the middle as he is not good enoug going forward.

A return of 0.2 dribbles and 0.5 key passes per game (WhoScored) is evidence of that, and Coleman has not faired much better.

WhoScored have given him a 6.5 rating for his displays this term so we need a new right-back, and Kenny is beginning to build a case in Scotland.

It is a little disappointing that the 23-year-old was not given more chances after returning from his loan spell at Schlake.

He was hailed for his “bravery” by David Wagner while in Germany and made five goal contributions in the Bundesliga.

Kenny carries a threat going forward, and he demonstrated that at the weekend.

He had two shots and made three key passes, per SofaScore, and had an incredible 98 touches.

The Premier League will of course prove a tougher test, but there are clearly positive signs.

He made two tackles and one interception also, which suggests he is a well-balanced full-back. That is exactly what we are missing currently.

There are a lot of games remaining this season so Kenny has the ideal opportunity to impress Ancelotti.

If he can iron out the weaknesses in his game he should grow in confidence, and we hope he is ready to fight for a first-team place when he returns to Goodison.

In other Everton news, youngster Rafael Garcia is back in action after 19-month injury lay-off.