Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

Grading every Everton signing of the transfer window

By Parth Jhaveri

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: James Rodriguez of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on October 03, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: James Rodriguez of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on October 03, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Everton
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Niels Nkounkou of Everton runs with the ball during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Everton FC and Salford City at Goodison Park on September 16, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jon Super – Pool/Getty Images) /

Niels Nkounkou has been one of the brightest findings of the season.

1. Niels Nkounkou

Niels Nkounkou was the first arrival at Goodison Park arriving on a free transfer from Marseille. Leighton Baines retired from professional football at the end of last season leaving a place to be filled. Almost instantly, Nkounkou showed immense potential and if Baines would have been watching him at Finch Farm, he’d be proud of the kid.

After tremendous performances in the short pre-season, Ancelotti handed Nkounkou his first team debut against Salford City in the Carabao Cup.

Another bright display against Fleetwood Town warranted that it was not a one time fluke and the youngster is a real deal. Ancelotti insisted that his first real test would be against a Premier League side and Nkounkou passed that test against West Ham with flying colors.

A contrast to his previous two games, the 19 year old was largely involved in the defensive half. The game against the Hammers proved that he is not only a gem going forward but offers the defensive solidity of a modern day full back as well.

The supremacy of Lucas Digne makes it harder for him to break into the first team on a regular basis but continued brilliant performances could see Ancelotti even give him a chance in the Premier League. Nkounkou is young and still has a lot to learn. Learning from one of the best coaches in the world will do wonders for him.

Grade: A-

More. Five things we’ve learned about Everton in 2020/21 so far. light

2. Allan

Allan was the first prominent singings. After weeks and weeks of rumbling on with Napoli, the Toffees finally got the deal over the line. Carlo Ancelotti did everything possible from his end to make sure Allan signed for Everton. His transition into the team has been seamless. He, undoubtedly, solves the issue long standing issue of an Idrissa Gueye esque player.

Allan offers the defensive solidity that had been lacking ever since Gueye moved to PSG. When Michael Keane said that Allan is every defender’s dream, he was not exaggerating. The Brazilian is that good in making crunch tackles, dispossessing the opponents and shielding the back four.

Everton were the most vulnerable in this area last season with Andre Gomes and Tom Davies struggling to make ends meet. Allan’s contributions in the middle of the park have allowed others to excel forward with the surety of Allan being ever present to screen the defence.

Grade: A+

Home/Everton FC News