View: Ancelotti must act quickly to temper Thierry Small exit desires
Carlo Ancelotti could hold the key in attempting Everton defender Theirry Small to remain on Merseyside beyond the current season.
The Express reported on Thursday that 16-year old Small was prepared to reject a contract offer from Everton if it would lead to him receiving first-team football elsewhere.
The left-back is determined to be involved with senior football as much as possible to further his development, and he is willing to push for an exit if he needs to.
However Everton would be losing a highly rated starlet if he were to leave, so the Blues must do all they can to convince him that Finch Farm is the best place for him to develop and improve.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Brighton, Leeds and Brentford are all said to be interested in the defender who has earned comparisons to Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies, while Juventus and Bayern themselves have previously been credited with interest. [Mail Online]
With so many clubs keen on swooping for Small, Ancelotti could hold the key to convincing him that he’s better off at Goodison Park.
Last month Alex Iwobi aimed a subtle dig at the Italian coach on Instagram, celebrating his Nigeria call-up because it would allow him to play in his favoured position. Ancelotti followed this by asking Iwobi’s opinion on his favoured position, claiming he’d give him his chance.
Iwobi subsequently received the opportunity to play in the hole in Everton’s next game against Burnley, indicating that Ancelotti is willing to listen to player requests.
If Small’s greatest concern is being involved first-team training, as the Express report, then Ancelotti could solve the issuer by granting his wish.
The Everton boss shouldn’t become beholden to the whims and wishes of his squad, but accepting the occasion request could be enough to keep players sweet.
If Small wants to be involved more, Ancelotti should certainly consider it.
In other Everton news, two players have failed fitness tests while away on international duty.
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