Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny had an emphatic game against Leeds United
Everton produced one of the most enthralling and dominant displays in a 3-0 thumping win against Leeds United. It wasn’t about individual brilliance that made the difference that day but it was a collective effort from the entire team who broke the shackles of mediocrity to rise and deliver such a convincing performance. There were several architects to this win but if one stood out, it was Jonjoe Kenny.
Alex Iwobi and Kenny arguably had the best game of their Everton career. The Nigerian has been subject to abject criticism and regarded as one of the worst signings of Farhad Moshiri’s era. On the other hand, Kenny rose through the Everton ranks and through the support of several loan spells, he continued to develop.
Unfortunately, he was never considered competent enough to step into the shoes of Seamus Coleman when the time comes. Despite a successful loan spell at Schalke 04, Kenny was considered as a squad option available in times of extreme need instead of being an understudy to Coleman.
Everton actively pursued right backs in the market but to their disappointment, they failed to bring any new player to act as a long term backup to Coleman. Carlo Ancelotti used Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate as right backs when Coleman missed games due to injury, completely binning the idea of Kenny being a successor to Coleman.
Jonjoe Kenny has been on the fringes of the Everton squad
It is true that Kenny has hardly made a case for himself to be considered as a player to take over the duties from Coleman. He was sent out on loan to Celtic in the second half of 2020-21 season but the Englishman struggled to muster performances that would convince any teams to make an offer for him.
Even under Rafa Benitez, Kenny showed minimal signs of progress and the signing of Nathan Patterson should have been the final nail in the coffin for Kenny’s Everton career. His contract expires this summer and Toffees haven’t even explored the possibility of renewal.
Since Frank Lampard took over the reins at Goodison Park, we are seeing a transformational change in Kenny. In two games played under the Englishman, Kenny has put in brilliant performances, taking many by surprise.
In the game against Leeds, Kenny stood out to be one of the best players on the pitch. With Vitaliy Mykolenko out due to COVID and Godfrey injured, Lampard was forced to deploy Kenny as a makeshift left back. Playing out of position, he was tasked with the most demanding and arduous task of the evening – to neutralize Leeds’ biggest threat Raphinha.
Frank Lampard must be delighted with Jonjoe Kenny
Raphinha can disrupt the entire defence and give nightmares to players marking him. Kenny was up for a big task and given his little experience, many thought the Toffees were set to be in trouble.
Crushing such opinions, Kenny put in a world class display over the next 90 minutes, not only containing the danger of Raphinha but also playing a vital role in attack. The 24 year old made two key passes, had 55 touches on the ball and was not dispossessed even once.
In defence, Kenny made two clearances, three interceptions and made seven recoveries. If a steely performance against Raphinha was not enough, the Cruyff turns and assistance in attack proved to be the cherry on top.
Even though it’s too early to say but Kenny could play an important role under Lampard for the rest of the season. He will walk out as a free agent at the end of the season. Until now, there was no reason for Everton to offer Kenny a new deal but given the encouraging signs under Lampard, it is worth considering.
Patterson is still not ready to be drafted as team’s first choice right back. Coleman cannot be overworked and overburdened. Having another right back to fill in at times can be handy. The Toffees also remain without a second left back who acts as a backup to Mykolenko. Kenny could be the man to do all the aforementioned tasks.
Perhaps, if the 24 year old does continue to perform at such level, Lampard himself may request Everton to renew Kenny. But for that to happen, Kenny has to play his cards absolutely right to impress Lampard.
Should Jonjoe Kenny be offered an extension?