AS Roma’s Alessandro Florenzi has been linked to Everton. If a transfer takes place, what does it mean for right back Jonjoe Kenny?
Everton have an interesting right back conundrum for the next season. Jonjoe Kenny has returned from Schalke after a successful loan, leaving him in direct competition to fight with Seamus Coleman for the starting spot. Now, AS Roma right back Alessandro Florenzi is a wanted man, which may leave Kenny in the middle of nowhere.
Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that Everton are pushing for a move for Alessandro Florenzi this summer as Carlo Ancelotti continues to mull over defensive options. The reputable journalist also named Abdoulaye Doucoure as a potential target apart from the obvious Allan. If Florenzi to Everton does take place, what should it mean for Jonjoe Kenny?
The 23 year old right back spent the last season on loan at Schalke 04 under the wings of David Wagner where he developed into a more refined and well oiled right back. Initially, reports were flying about Jonjoe Kenny being surplus to requirements at Goodison Park and the club also willing to sell him to finance other arrivals.
The German side was interested in taking Kenny permanently but shockingly the Merseysiders refused as he was supposedly set to be a part of the squad next season, challenging Seamus Coleman for the starter’s role.
The Toffees didn’t exercise the purchase option for Djibril Sidibe which confirmed their stance on giving Jonjoe Kenny a run in the team. Furthermore, Liverpool Echo confirmed that Jonjoe Kenny is in Ancelotti’s plans next season and any offer for the 23 year old will be shredded and disposed in the bin.
Seamus Coleman isn’t getting any younger and will need to be replaced soon. The 31 year old will slowly transition himself out of the starting eleven and become a valuable substitute towards his last legs of his career, a similar road to what Leighton Baines took.
Meanwhile, Jonjoe Kenny will take on the duties of the first team right back. But, with Florenzi’s transfer link popping up, does it mean a dead end for Kenny?
No. In simple terms No. Alessandro Florenzi has been an excellent right back for AS Roma, a loyal servant to them for years and if he does decide to trade Roma for Everton, it won’t necessarily hamper Kenny’s future.
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Carlo Ancelotti has deployed a 4-4-2 but has struggled to find an adept right wide man. In a few games this season, Djibril Sidibe and Seamus Coleman worked together on the right side with Coleman occupying the right back and Sidibe exploring spaces further up the pitch.
Alessandro Florenzi and Jonjoe Kenny can co-exist on the same team with the Italian playing further up as a wide right midfielder. The 29 year old has exceptional attacking qualities and has shown signs of comfort on right wing. The Italian featured regularly as a right wide man under Eusebio Di Francesco.
When taken the whole thing into perspective, Jonjoe Kenny won’t see more competition for right back but can instead inhale all the energy of Florenzi and Coleman to continue his evolution from a promising right back to a reliable full back.
Will Jonjoe Kenny be a hit for Everton?