Everton youngster duo deserve to start against Sheffield as wholesale changes expected
Anthony Gordon and Niels Nkounkou deserve to start against Sheffield United.
Every year, the Christmas- New Year period is a headache for Premier League managers and physio teams as the biggest task is to get players ready for a game almost every 48-72 hours. The gruelling fixtures do not allow players to get enough time for recuperation putting load on their physical health.
Everton already have to cover for Allan, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Lucas Digne and James Rodriguez and on top of that rotate the squad to keep the players fresh. The Toffees played a day prior to Christmas eve and are not set to play on boxing day against Sheffield United. The Toffees then host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Monday before playing on New Year’s day against West Ham United.
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By 1st of Jan, 2021, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will have played 4 games in a span of 9 days. The game against relegation threatened Sheffield United presents the best chance to rotate the squad with minimal risk and give some much needed rest to the core team.
The likes of Michael Keane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure have been relentlessly working to make things tick on the field and need to be given some respite before the run out of steam. Richarlison had a horrific clash with Eric Bailly and is a big doubt against the Blades.
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Ben Godfrey has also been used extensively ever since Digne was injured. With a much stronger and tougher opponent waiting in the form of Manchester City, resting Godfrey won’t be a bad idea. Ancelotti is likely to ring few changes which gives the best opportunity to the youngster duo of Nkounkou and Gordon to start.
The youngsters seem to be a level up than players of their age and are continuously evolving but the lack of chances is not working in their favour. Gordon was the find of last season where he showed his mettle and was one of the very few players who always looked full of energy and intent. However, the immense competition in his position has restricted him to just 5 appearances this season.
As for Nkounkou, the left back has been a revelation since arriving at Goodison in the summer due to his attacking potential. Game time has been hard to come by for Nkounkou too as he has had 4 outings and in all of them he looked dynamic and threatening when going forward.
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The duo started a game together against Salford City in the EFL Cup and were lively and electric for the whole game. They click well and should be given another opportunity.